However, it can vary from a reddish blotchy appearance to red throughout. And can be confused with poison ivy, spider or insect bite, or ringworm. If you get a rash, especially if you know you were bitten by a tick, take a picture of it for your doctor, or go to the health center and have the nurse look at it. The rash often goes away quickly and may be gone before the doctor can see it. At about the same time that the rash develops, flu-like symptoms may appear with headache, sore throat, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches, fatigue and general malaise.
Some people develop the flu-like illness without getting a rash.
Seek prompt medical attention if any of these symptoms appear, especially after being bitten by a tick or visiting an area where Lyme disease is common. This is the optimal time to treat Lyme disease. If ignored, the early symptoms may disappear, but more serious problems can develop months to years later. The later symptoms of Lyme disease can be quite severe and chronic. Muscle pain and arthritis, usually of the large joints is common, neurological symptoms include meningitis, numbness, tingling, and on and on.