Everyone should be aware of the potential dangers of an unusual mark or spot on their skin. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, guardian or caregiver, or simply looking out for your own health, spotting an unknown mark could be a sign of a serious medical condition that requires medical attention. Experts say to call 911 if you see a suspicious looking mark on your skin.
What Is the Mark That Should Prompt You to Call 911?
One mark in particular that should prompt a call to 911 is a ‘target lesion’. A target lesion is a spot, usually round, with a red rim and a paler center. Sometimes the lesion can have more than one circle of colour, similar to a ‘ bulls-eye’.
These types of lesions are most often associated with Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection spread by ticks. If you believe you have come into contact with an animal that may have had a tick, it’s important to keep an eye on any lesions or marks on your skin and if you notice a target lesion, it is important to seek medical help right away.
Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can be caught from tick bites and can cause severe complications, if not treated promptly. Apart from a target lesion, some of the other symptoms associated with Lyme Disease include:
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Joint pain & swelling
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Neck stiffness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Facial palsy
• Rash
The above symptoms may be experienced anywhere from 3-30 days after a tick bite. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms, even if you don’t experience a target lesion.
What Should I Do if I Suspect I Have Contracted Lyme Disease?
If you or a loved one suspect you are suffering from Lyme disease, call 911 right away. Professional medical assistance will be able to diagnose the condition and provide necessary treatment.
Before calling 911, it’s important to take into account the following:
• If the Suspected Lyme Disease was caught from a tick bite, try to save the tick for the doctor to look at.
• Note down information about when, how, and where the person may have been bitten.
• Give a description of any particular symptoms that have been experienced.
If you’re having difficulty breathing or feeling any extreme pain, seek emergency medical help immediately.
What Will Happen if I Call 911 for Lyme Disease Symptoms?
It is important to call 911 immediately if you believe you may have contracted Lyme disease. When you call 911 a medical team will respond by sending a paramedic to assess your condition.
The paramedic will ask a series of questions, such as the symptoms you are experiencing, and may also ask if you have recently been in an area with a high tick population. The paramedic will also take into account any existing medical conditions or allergies you may have, before providing you with the right level of care.
The paramedic may provide a full physical examination and will take note of any context clues. This will help them to decide if an ambulance or other medical help is needed.
If an ambulance is required, the paramedic will evaluate the severity of the situation and may provide initial treatment to help relieve any pain or discomfort before you reach the hospital.
Treatment for Lyme Disease
If you have contracted Lyme disease, the medical team will provide you with the appropriate treatment. Treatment usually varies depending on the severity of symptoms, but usually involves a type of antibiotic.
It’s important to finish the course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Even if you start to feel better and the symptoms disappear, it’s important to finish the whole course in order to avoid any of the negative long-term effects or risk of re-infection.
Finally, follow-up appointments with your doctor are also essential. These are important to make sure the infection has cleared and to discuss any further treatments that may be necessary.
It’s important to be aware of any unusual marks on your skin, particularly if you suspect you may have been bitten by a tick. Pay particular attention to target lesions, as this is a common symptom of Lyme disease. If you suspect you may have contracted Lyme disease, calling 911 is the best course of action, as the medical team will be able to assess and provide the appropriate treatment. It’s important to finish the course of antibiotics prescribed and to attend any follow-up appointments. Following the advice in this article could help you to identify and therefore prevent any further complications.
