Dr. Michael Cirigliano Warns 20% to 30% of Lyme Cases Lack Bullseye Rash
Updated
Updated · Philadelphia magazine · Jul 7
Dr. Michael Cirigliano Warns 20% to 30% of Lyme Cases Lack Bullseye Rash
1 articles · Updated · Philadelphia magazine · Jul 7
Summary
Lyme disease is already endemic in the Philadelphia area, Cirigliano said, warning that rising tick activity makes bites a serious concern and that the illness can be missed when symptoms are subtle.
70% to 80% of patients develop the classic bullseye rash, he said, but 20% to 30% do not, so diagnosis often depends on symptoms rather than a blood test, which can be negative early.
DEET, long sleeves and pants, and quick tick removal with tweezers are the main prevention steps; if a tick was attached for less than about 24 hours, some cases can be treated with a single dose.
Doxycycline is the usual treatment—amoxicillin for younger patients—while people with a rash may need 10 to 14 days of therapy and untreated infections can progress to heart, neurological, or joint problems.
Cirigliano also flagged fatigue, fever, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes as warning signs, describing Lyme as a “great masquerader” and noting ticks can also trigger alpha-gal red-meat allergy.