How does a tick look when it has embedded in human skin? - briefly
A fed tick presents as a tiny, dome‑shaped, dark brown or gray nodule that resembles a pinhead under the skin. Its mouthparts may be visible as a small, pale, protruding point at the center of the bump.
How does a tick look when it has embedded in human skin? - in detail
A tick that has attached to human skin presents as a small, rounded mass that can be mistaken for a wart or a mole. The dorsal surface is typically smooth and glossy, ranging from light brown to dark brown depending on species and feeding stage. In the early attachment phase (unengorged), the body measures 2–5 mm in length and appears flat, resembling a tiny seed. As blood is ingested, the tick expands dramatically; an adult female may reach 8–12 mm in length and become markedly swollen, taking on a balloon‑like appearance.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Mouthparts: Visible as a tiny, dark, protruding tip at the center of the body. The hypostome, a barbed feeding tube, anchors the tick and may be seen as a small, black point extending into the skin.
- Legs: Six pairs of short legs surround the body’s perimeter. When attached, the legs are often pressed flat against the skin, making them difficult to discern.
- Color shift: Initial pale or reddish‑brown coloration darkens to deep brown or black as engorgement progresses.
- Texture: The cuticle becomes taut and glossy, lacking the rough, scaly surface of a detached tick.
The attachment site may show a slight red halo or mild irritation, but the tick itself remains the most prominent feature. Removing the tick requires grasping the mouthparts close to the skin and pulling steadily upward; cutting off the body without the head can leave the hypostome embedded, appearing as a tiny, black nubble.