How does a tick under the skin on the face look? - briefly
A tick lodged in facial skin presents as a tiny, raised bump that looks like a dark dot or pinhead, sometimes visible as a round, gray‑brown sphere. The surrounding area may be mildly swollen or reddened, indicating localized irritation.
How does a tick under the skin on the face look? - in detail
A tick that has embedded itself beneath the facial skin presents as a small, raised nodule. The lesion is typically firm and may feel slightly tender to the touch. Its surface often displays a dark, almost black center where the mouthparts have penetrated, surrounded by a lighter, pinkish or reddish halo caused by localized inflammation.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: Initially 2‑5 mm in diameter; enlarges to 5‑10 mm as the tick feeds and its abdomen expands.
- Color: Central punctum appears brown‑black; surrounding tissue may turn erythematous or develop a pale ring.
- Shape: Generally circular or oval, with a smooth outline that may become irregular as the tick swells.
- Texture: Firm, with a slight elevation above the surrounding skin; the overlying epidermis can become thin and translucent.
- Surrounding reaction: Mild edema, occasional bruising, and a thin line of erythema extending from the puncture site.
In later feeding stages the tick’s body becomes engorged, giving the nodule a glossy, balloon‑like appearance. The skin may stretch, creating a visible bulge that can mimic a cyst or pustule. If the tick is removed improperly, the mouthparts can remain embedded, leaving a small, dark central scar that may persist for weeks.
Clinically, the presence of a central puncture wound, progressive swelling, and a color shift from pink to dark brown are reliable indicators that a hematophagous arthropod is lodged under the facial skin. Prompt removal with fine‑point tweezers, grasping the tick close to the skin surface, minimizes tissue damage and reduces the risk of secondary infection.