Lyme disease. The tick bite, the rash, and the sequelae

Lyme disease may present as a characteristic skin eruption, an acute arthritis, or less commonly, an acute neurologic or cardiac illness. A carefully taken history, including a travel history, provides the key to diagnosis. Laboratory tests other than spirochetal antibody studies are nonspecific. Prompt antibiotic treatment is important not only for reducing the intensity and duration of the skin eruption but for preventing major sequelae.