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What is a Bull's Eye Lesion?

Published in Medical Lesion 2 mins read

A bull's eye lesion, also known as a target lesion, is a distinctive type of rash.

Understanding Bull's Eye Lesions

This type of rash is characterized by its circular, expanding pattern with a target-like appearance. It looks like a bull's eye target, hence the name.

Here's a breakdown of its key features:

  • Shape: It’s typically circular, but may appear irregular in some cases.
  • Expansion: The rash tends to grow outward from a central point.
  • Appearance: It presents with concentric rings or zones of color, often with a darker center and a lighter outer ring, giving it the appearance of a target.

Example of a Bull's Eye Lesion

  • Lyme Disease: A classic example is the Erythema Migrans rash seen in Lyme disease. This rash usually starts at the site of the tick bite and expands outward with a characteristic target-like appearance.

How to Identify

Here are some pointers to help identify a bull's eye lesion:

  1. Check for Circularity: Look for a rash that is roughly circular.
  2. Observe Expansion: Note if the rash seems to be growing from the center outwards.
  3. Identify Target Pattern: Check if the rash has concentric rings of different colors, creating a "bull's eye" effect.

Importance

If you suspect you have a bull's eye lesion, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or joint pain, seeking medical attention is important. Early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for conditions like Lyme disease, are crucial for preventing complications.

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