skip to main content

Lyme disease — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateInfectious diseasesLyme diseaseMRCPCH FOP

An 11-year-old girl returns from a camping trip in Scotland with an expanding annular rash on her thigh. It is not itchy, has central clearing and she feels mildly flu-like. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Erythema migrans due to Lyme disease

An expanding annular rash after possible tick exposure is erythema migrans and is diagnostic of Lyme disease clinically. Tinea corporis is usually scaly and more slowly progressive. Cellulitis is painful, warm and poorly demarcated rather than annular with central clearing. The pearl is that erythema migrans does not require serology before treatment.

Reference: NICE NG95 Lyme disease