How does a tick‑infested spot look? - briefly
Typical presentation is a small, red papule with a central puncture mark, often surrounded by a halo of swelling and itching. If the tick remains attached, a dark, elongated body may be visible within the lesion.
How does a tick‑infested spot look? - in detail
A tick‑infested area typically presents as a localized patch of skin that has been pierced by one or more arthropods. The surface often appears reddened, with a central puncture mark where the mouthparts entered. Surrounding the puncture, a small halo of erythema may develop, ranging from faint pink to deep crimson depending on individual sensitivity. In many cases, the lesion expands outward, forming a circular or oval shape with a diameter of 1–3 cm. The border can be sharply defined or exhibit a gradual fade into surrounding tissue.
The spot may exhibit additional visual cues:
- A tiny, dark or brownish point at the center, representing the attached tick or its abandoned mouthparts.
- A raised, slightly swollen rim caused by local inflammation.
- Occasionally, a small vesicle or pustule forms at the periphery, indicating secondary irritation or infection.
- In the days following attachment, the erythema can become mottled, displaying a mixture of pink, red, and occasionally purpuric tones.
When multiple ticks feed in close proximity, the lesions may coalesce, producing an irregularly shaped patch with several puncture points. The overall appearance remains consistent with acute inflammatory response: warmth, mild tenderness, and possible itching. Absence of systemic symptoms does not rule out pathogen transmission; visual assessment should be followed by prompt removal of the arthropod and medical evaluation if the lesion enlarges, ulcerates, or persists beyond a week.