How does a subcutaneous tick on the face look? - briefly
A subcutaneous tick presents as a tiny, raised, flesh‑colored or reddish bump with a central puncture point where its mouthparts are embedded. The surrounding skin may exhibit slight swelling or a thin halo of erythema.
How does a subcutaneous tick on the face look? - in detail
A tick that has embedded itself beneath the surface of facial skin presents as a small, raised nodule. The overlying epidermis often remains intact, giving the lesion a smooth, dome‑shaped contour that may be mistaken for a cyst or insect bite. The central portion of the nodule can feel firm to the touch, while the surrounding tissue may be slightly softer due to local inflammation.
Typical visual cues include:
- Size: usually 2–5 mm in diameter, though larger specimens can occur if the tick is engorged.
- Color: skin‑colored or slightly reddish; the tick’s body may appear as a darker spot within the swelling.
- Surface texture: smooth, without obvious puncture marks; a faint central depression may be visible where the mouthparts are anchored.
- Surrounding reaction: a thin rim of erythema or mild swelling may surround the nodule, indicating a localized immune response.
When examined closely, the tick’s body can be discerned as a compact, oval structure beneath the skin. Its legs are not visible externally, but the attachment site may show a tiny puncture hole at the apex of the nodule. In some cases, a thin, translucent membrane covering the tick can be seen, especially if the lesion is illuminated with a dermatoscope.
The surrounding tissue may exhibit slight tenderness or itching, but pain is not a reliable indicator. If the tick remains attached for several days, the nodule can enlarge as the arthropod continues to feed, potentially developing a central ulceration if the feeding apparatus disrupts the epidermis.
Accurate identification relies on visual inspection combined with careful palpation. Removal should be performed by a medical professional to avoid crushing the tick and leaving mouthparts embedded, which can exacerbate local inflammation and increase the risk of pathogen transmission.