Recognition of Cutaneous Symptoms of Common Tick-Borne Illness in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases occur throughout the United States, with a disease burden that ranges from mild to severe. As temperatures rise with climate change, the active season for ticks increases, and more tick-borne illness is seen (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022a). Many patients present to the ED for suspected tick bites, rashes, and generalized medical complaints that may be related to a tick-borne disease, so it is important for the emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) to accurately diagnose these conditions. Because of this increasing disease burden, it has become vital for these illnesses to be recognized early, as early diagnosis can reduce possible complications of chronic illness. Familiarity with the cutaneous rashes present in several tick-borne diseases can aid the ENP to effectively diagnose and treat these conditions.