Station 72
Emily Barratt
Age: 34 year old female
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are Emily Barratt, a 34-year-old woman attending a telephone consultation after sending in a photo of a rash on your hand.
You first noticed the rash 2 days ago, about a week after returning from a camping trip. You recall being bitten by a tick during that trip, and you’re now worried the rash may be related to Lyme disease, particularly as it appears to be spreading and present on both hands.
The rash is itchy, red, and scaly. You have not used any new soaps, detergents, fabrics, or skincare products recently. There is no other rash elsewhere on your body, and you have no additional symptoms such as fever, joint pain, headache, fatigue, or flu-like illness.
You have a history of childhood eczema but have been free of any significant skin problems in recent years.
If asked about any other symptoms, respond: “No.”
Social History: You work as a graphic designer, mostly indoors. No recent travel to areas known for Lyme disease outbreaks. You are a non-smoker, and do not drink alcohol. You are recently married, hoping to start a family within the next couple of years
Ideas: You are concerned this rash could be Lyme disease, due to the timing and the recent tick bite.
Concerns: You’re worried that if this is Lyme disease as you have read online that it could become serious if left untreated.
Expectations: You would like the GP to confirm if this is Lyme disease, and if so, start antibiotics promptly.
Question for the Doctor: You are due to travel to Montenegro tomorrow and would like to know if it is safe to travel with this rash, or whether you should delay the trip.