How does a subcutaneous tick look and what symptoms does it cause? - briefly
A subcutaneous tick presents as a tiny, firm, raised nodule under the skin, typically brown or reddish with a central punctum where the mouthparts are anchored. It can cause localized redness, itching, and swelling, and may trigger systemic signs such as fever, headache, or joint pain if disease‑causing organisms are transmitted.
How does a subcutaneous tick look and what symptoms does it cause? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated the dermis and settled beneath the epidermis appears as a small, dark, oval or round mass. The body is usually brown to black, slightly raised, and may be partially visible through the skin surface. A central puncture point often marks the attachment site, and surrounding tissue can be swollen or tender. In some cases the tick’s legs are not visible, giving the impression of a simple nodule rather than an arthropod.
Typical clinical manifestations include:
- Localized redness and swelling at the bite site
- Itching, burning, or sharp pain
- Formation of a raised, firm bump that may persist for days
- Secondary bacterial infection, indicated by pus, increasing warmth, or expanding erythema
- Systemic signs such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches
- Development of a rash (e.g., erythema migrans) characteristic of certain tick‑borne infections
- Neurological symptoms (e.g., facial palsy, meningitis) in severe cases
- Joint inflammation or arthralgia associated with Lyme disease or other pathogens
The presence of a subdermal tick warrants prompt removal to reduce pathogen transmission risk. After extraction, monitor the site for worsening inflammation or systemic illness and seek medical evaluation if fever, expanding rash, or neurological signs develop. Early detection of tick‑borne disease improves treatment outcomes.