Target lesions are abnormal skin areas that look like a red center surrounded by a red ring. They can be caused by Lyme disease or erythema multiforme, which can be caused by viral infections or medications. Treatment may include antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
A target lesion is an area of abnormal skin that has the appearance of a target or target. It typically looks like a rash or rash that has a red center with a red ring surrounding the center. Commonly associated with Lyme disease, the target lesion may also be erythema multiforme (EM), which can be caused by many underlying conditions, such as a viral infection.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick bite. It often presents with a target lesion surrounding the tick bite area, however not all infected people will develop this mark. This rash can appear several weeks to a month after the bite, and patients will likely also experience fever, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain.
When this type of lesion develops on the skin of a person infected with Lyme disease, it is called erythema migrans (EM). Some patients may also notice similar lesions appearing on other areas of the body following the initial sign. These lesions are usually bright red, with a solid red circle enclosed by a red ring. Patients who notice this bull’s-eye mark on the skin in the weeks following a tick bite should see their doctor as soon as possible for treatment with antibiotics.
Unlike Lyme disease, the lesion known as erythema multiforme is most often caused by a viral infection. The herpes simplex virus is a common culprit and can manifest as a lesion within two weeks of initial infection. Other viral infections can also result in a target lesion, including hepatitis, chicken pox, and shingles, along with cytomegalovirus, parapoxvirus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Less commonly, some fungal infections or medications can also cause erythema multiforme. These medications can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, and barbiturates.
Patients with erythema multiforme will notice dozens or hundreds of small target lesions. They usually start developing on the hands and feet and spread towards the center of the body. Over the course of approximately 72 hours, the lesions will change from flat, red patches to raised patches with darker centers, surrounded by a lighter, pinker area, which in turn is surrounded by a bright red mark.
These types of lesions often go away on their own over the course of several weeks. Some patients may require treatment, depending on the underlying cause of the skin condition. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or erythromycin can resolve the lesions. Patients experiencing itchy skin may benefit from topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines.
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