How does the site of a tick bite look? - briefly
The bite site usually presents as a tiny, red‑pink papule with a central puncture mark where the tick was attached. An engorged tick may leave a slightly raised halo around the lesion that can become itchy or tender.
How does the site of a tick bite look? - in detail
The area where a tick attaches typically presents as a small, round or oval puncture surrounded by a faint, reddish halo. The central point may be a pin‑point opening left by the tick’s mouthparts, often less than 2 mm in diameter. Immediately after removal, the skin can appear slightly raised, resembling a tiny papule, and may be moist or have a thin crust if the bite has begun to heal.
Common visual characteristics include:
- Redness: A localized erythema that may spread outward up to a few centimeters, forming a target‑like pattern in some cases (especially with certain pathogens).
- Swelling: Mild edema around the puncture, sometimes palpable as a firm, raised bump.
- Scab formation: As the wound closes, a thin scab may develop over the puncture site within 24–48 hours.
- Residual tick parts: Occasionally the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded, appearing as a tiny black speck at the center of the lesion.
The texture of the skin can feel tender to touch, but pain is usually absent or minimal. In the days following the bite, the lesion may shrink, leaving a faint, flat discoloration that can persist for weeks. If the area enlarges rapidly, becomes intensely painful, or shows signs of infection (pus, increasing warmth, fever), medical evaluation is warranted.