Acrodermatitis Chronicum Atrophicans

Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA), also known as Herxheimer disease, is a skin rash caused by Lyme (borreliosis) disease.

ACA takes a chronically progressive course due to the spread of live spirochetes through the skin and underlying tissues. This leads to widespread atrophy of the skin, lesions, neuropathy, nerve damage and other symptoms.

Although much of the literature considers ACA to be caused by a "European" strain of Lyme disease, it is found in patients in the USA and other areas.

Unfortunately, there are probably less than ten dermatologists in the entire USA that would recognise it. It is often misdiagnosed as scleroderma and is treated with steroids rather than antibiotics.

QUOTE- "The rash caused by ACA is most evident on the extremities. It begins with an inflammatory stage with bluish red discoloration and cutaneous swelling, and concludes several months or years later with an atrophic phase. Sclerotic skin plaques may also develop. As ACA progresses the skin begins to wrinkle." Source

Over 1/2 of the patients in a recent study were treated for Lyme disease in the early stage and went on to develop this late manifestation. Source

Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans may develop within months to 10 or more years after a tick bite. Source

Neuropathy symptoms are present in one half of the patients with ACA. Source

ACA skin lesions on lower extremities are often misdiagnosed as vascular insufficiency or even "old age". Source

Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans may lead to ulcerations or bacterial superinfections. It is also considered a risk factor for cancer development. Source

Last Updated- April 2019

Lucy Barnes

AfterTheBite@gmail.com