Is my son’s fever due to Skeeter's syndrome or Lyme disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am concerned that my son may have Lyme disease or Skeeter's syndrome. I have several pictures of the area. Site description: Red, slightly swollen with blotches around. No bull's eye rash is present at this time, but from what I understand, this is not always present in Lyme disease cases. The areas surrounding the bites are much warmer than the rest of his skin. There are no blisters, pus, or discharge at this time. He has had a fever of 102.2 F and a noticeable decrease in activity.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It appears like Skeeters syndrome by the way it looks (the attachment was removed to protect the patient's identity). I suggest you continue antiallergic (antihistaminic) and use calamine lotion over the area to see if it subsides. It should be in a day or two. Give him Tylenol (Acetaminophen) based on body weight for fever and any pain. Give him plenty of fluids.

If he does not improve in 48 hours, it is prudent to take him to the hospital to be checked by a pediatrician or an infectious disease specialist. You would also wanna examine his body to see if there is any insect attached to him, any tick biting him, or to see if there are any other rashes and if any rashes appear in bull's eye form. Warning symptoms and signs to get alerted are drowsiness not improving, slurring of speech, weakness of facial muscles, high-grade fever not responding to Tylenol.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.