How does a photo of a tick bite on a human look after the bite? - briefly
The picture displays a small, circular redness surrounding a puncture wound, typically 5–10 mm across, sometimes with a dark central dot where the tick’s mouthparts are visible. If the parasite remains attached, its tiny, engorged body appears as a dark oval adjacent to the lesion.
How does a photo of a tick bite on a human look after the bite? - in detail
A photograph taken after a tick has attached to human skin typically shows a small, round or oval lesion centered on a puncture point where the tick’s mouthparts entered. The core of the wound is often a pinpoint, sometimes slightly raised, and may appear as a tiny, darkened spot if the tick’s head or hypostome remains embedded. Surrounding the punctum, a halo of erythema is common; the redness can range from faint pink to vivid crimson, extending 0.5‑2 cm from the center. In the first 24 hours, the area may be minimally swollen, with a smooth, taut surface.
If the tick is still attached, its body may be visible as a dark, elongated shape partially obscured by hair or clothing. The tick’s abdomen often appears engorged, taking on a gray‑brown hue, while the legs and capitulum are lighter. When the insect is removed, the bite site may show a small, crusted scab or a faint hemorrhagic spot that darkens to a brownish‑black color as blood coagulates.
Beyond the initial phase, the lesion can evolve:
- Day 2‑3: erythema may become more pronounced, sometimes forming a target‑shaped pattern with a central clearing.
- Day 5‑7: if infection such as Lyme disease develops, a characteristic expanding rash (erythema migrans) may appear, measuring 5‑15 cm, with a uniform red border and central clearing.
- Later weeks: the area may resolve, leaving a faint hyperpigmented macule or a small scar.
Lighting and focus affect visual detail. Close‑up macro shots under diffused natural light reveal the punctum and tick remnants sharply, while broader framing captures surrounding skin tone and any peripheral rash. High‑resolution images allow assessment of subtle color gradients and texture changes, essential for medical documentation.