How does a tick look in the groin? - briefly
A tick attached in the groin appears as a tiny, oval, dark‑brown or grayish spot that may swell to a larger, reddish‑blue, balloon‑like shape as it fills with blood. The body is flat before feeding and becomes rounded and firm once engorged.
How does a tick look in the groin? - in detail
A tick attached to the inner thigh or genital fold presents as a small, rounded mass that may be mistaken for a skin tag or a tiny lump. The body is typically 3–5 mm in length when unfed, expanding to 6–10 mm after a blood meal. The dorsal surface is smooth, with a dark brown to black coloration; the ventral side may appear lighter, sometimes reddish, due to engorged blood.
Key visual characteristics:
- Shape: Oval to spherical, slightly flattened on the side contacting the skin.
- Size: Increases proportionally with feeding time; early attachment is barely visible, later stages become noticeably larger.
- Color: Dark brown or black exoskeleton; engorged ticks may show a pinkish or reddish hue.
- Legs: Eight short legs visible around the perimeter; they may be hidden by the body when the tick is fully engorged.
- Mouthparts: A tiny, pointed capitulum (mouthparts) protrudes from the surface, often appearing as a small pinhole or dark spot.
- Attachment: The tick’s body is firmly anchored to the skin, sometimes creating a small depression or ulceration around the feeding site.
When the tick is partially fed, the skin around the attachment may be irritated, showing redness or a thin, transparent membrane that can be mistaken for a blister. In later stages, the tick may appear balloon‑like, with the abdomen swollen and the legs splayed outward.
If the tick is removed, the attachment site may leave a small, pin‑prick wound that can bleed minimally. Observation of these details helps differentiate a tick from other skin lesions and determines the need for prompt removal and medical evaluation.