Can you tell me what this rash could be on my left arm?

Question

Hi. I have the rash on my left arm close to my armpit. It is about the size of a dime. It is red in the center and purple and bluish around the edges. It doesn't itch, but hurts when I press on it. I had went swimming this past Sunday at a beach. Before I went to bed that night it wasn't there. But after I woke up Monday morning it was there. I don't know what's the cause of it. I have had had a few rashes to break out before on my body that didn't itch and they didn't hurt, but this one is different. I feel tired and sleepy all of the time. And, I have these migraine headaches all of the time. At times, I have these dizzy spells. I don't have a chance to go and see my doctor about it right now because he is booked up with appointments until October of this year. That is when I'll be able to go and see him. But, I'm very curious about this rash that I have right now. Can you tell me what it could be and what could be the cause of it?

Answer 1

sounds like lyme disease:

Symptoms

Lyme disease may progress in stages from mild symptoms to serious, long-term disabilities if left untreated. There are three stages of Lyme disease: early localized, early disseminated, and late persistent.

Stage 1: Early localized infection (1 to 4 weeks)

From 1 to 4 weeks after being infected with bacteria that cause Lyme disease, up to 80% of people develop an expanding, circular red skin rash (called erythema migrans). 3

For people who live in areas where Lyme disease most often occurs—in the United States along the Atlantic coast, the Midwest, and parts of Oregon and California—the circular rash is usually a sure sign of Lyme disease, especially when it appears during the summer months.

In up to 50% of people who have Lyme disease, the expanding circular rash is accompanied by flulike symptoms such as: 6

Fatigue or lack of energy, which is the most common symptom.
Headache and stiff neck.
Fever and chills.
Muscle and joint pain.
Swollen lymph nodes.
As many as 25% have only flulike symptoms (no rash) or have no symptoms at all. 2

Stage 2: Early disseminated infection (1 to 4 months)

If Lyme disease is not detected and treated while early symptoms are present, or if you do not have early symptoms that trigger the need for treatment, the infection may spread to the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart within weeks to months after the initial infection.

Symptoms at this stage may include: 7, 4

Persistent fatigue.
Additional skin rashes in several places on your body that develop as the infection spreads.
Pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs.
Inability to control the muscles of the face (paralysis of the facial nerves).
Recurring headaches or fainting.
Poor memory and reduced ability to concentrate.
Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or sometimes damage to deep tissue in the eyes.
Occasional rapid heartbeats (palpitations) or, in rare cases, serious heart problems. 7
Stage 3: Late persistent infections

If Lyme disease is not promptly or effectively treated, damage to the joints, nerves, and brain may develop months or years after you become infected (late Lyme disease). Symptoms at this stage may include: 6, 2

Swelling and pain (inflammation) in the joints, especially in the knees.
Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, or back.
Severe fatigue.
Partial facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy), which usually occurs within the first few months after the tick bite. 8
Neurologic changes, including problems with memory, mood, or sleep and sometimes problems speaking.
Chronic Lyme arthritis, which causes recurring episodes of swelling, redness, and fluid buildup in one or more joints that last up to 6 months at a time.
Heart, nervous system, and joint symptoms may be the first signs of Lyme disease in people who did not have a rash or other symptoms of early infection.

I would go to the doctor and ask to get tested for lyme as soon as possible

Answer 2

Try to get in to see any doctor at your clinic tomorrow or go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room this evening, especially if you have a fever or a rash anywhere else. It could be some kind of strep or staph infection which can be very serious if not treated properly and early on.

Answer 3

I would take a cool bath with a cup of baking soda mixed into the water and soak for 10-20 minutes. Rinse off quickly. Gently, very gently pat yourself dry. Apply Vitamin E oil but do it gently. Put on very loose clothing. It will be a bit sticky but it is really healing and will soak in. If that is not convenient, Aloe Vera Gel will help as well. You can actually apply the Aloe, wait awhile, then apply the Vit. E and switch off with each a few times a day. You can take natural, not synthetic Vit. E and A from Beta Carotene as directed on bottle until you are healed. They are great skin healers.

Answer 4

Could be a spider bite. I suggest you go to an Urgent Care or a different doctor. You can try to call the office back and tell them it's important for you to get in sooner. Dr's always have a certain number of same day appts open for emergencies.

Answer 5

You have described the classic symptoms of Lyme disease which you get from a tick bite. If this question was posed as a test for the Yahoo answers community then you did your research well but in case you really have these symptoms do not wait until your doctor's appointment...go to the ER now and see if this is their diagnosis. You need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage. Now GO!!

Answer 6

I'm not going to answer your question, but I will tell you to see an M.D. ASAP. Go to an E.R. if you can't see your regular Doc. You didn't say what beach, but I'll bet it was "south". It sounds like you got nailed by a real nasty little critter. Migraines and dizziness - suddenly - are bad news. Tell your regular doc's receptionist what your symtoms are, and I'll bet he sees you real quick. They always make time for emergencies!!

Answer 7

You need to find a doctor sooner. No one can diagnose over the internet!

Answer 8

go to your local hospital if you cant see a dr