Lyme disease is transmitted to people by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. The lyme disease rash usually has a characteristic “bull’s-eye” appearance, with a central red spot surrounded by clear skin that is ringed by an expanding red rash. It also can appear as an expanding ring of solid redness. Some people develop several of these rashes, an indication of bacteria multiplying in the blood stream.
When antibiotics by injection are being given, then benzylpenicillin (eg Crystapen), cefotaxime (Claforan) and ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are the usual choices. Most cases of Lyme disease are thought to result from peri-residential exposure to infected ticks. Persons who reside, work, or recreate in wooded areas or areas of overgrown brush are at risk of acquiring the infection.