What does a bite from a common tick look like? - briefly
A common tick bite shows as a tiny, red puncture or a slightly raised spot, often without pain, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo. The site may later develop a small bump or dark scab as the tick detaches.
What does a bite from a common tick look like? - in detail
A common tick attachment creates a small, round puncture that often appears as a tiny, reddish or pink spot. The initial mark may be as little as 1–2 mm in diameter, sometimes resembling a mosquito bite, but it can enlarge to 5–10 mm as the tick feeds. The surrounding skin may become slightly swollen, with a faint halo of redness that fades after the tick is removed.
Typical visual features include:
- Central puncture: smooth, raised point where the tick’s mouthparts penetrate.
- Color change: early stage shows pinkish hue; later may turn darker red or purplish as blood pools.
- Halo effect: faint, diffuse erythema extending 2–3 mm from the core; may be absent in some individuals.
- Tick body: often visible as a dark, flattened oval attached near the center of the lesion; removal may leave the mouthparts embedded, producing a tiny crater.
Time‑dependent changes:
- 0–24 hours: puncture remains tiny, minimal inflammation.
- 1–3 days: swelling increases, tick enlarges, lesion may become more conspicuous.
- 4–7 days: if the tick remains attached, the bite can develop a central necrotic area or a target‑like appearance; risk of pathogen transmission rises.
- Post‑removal: a small, red dot may persist for several days; if a rash expands rapidly or develops a bulls‑eye pattern, medical evaluation is warranted.
Key indicators of complications:
- Rapid expansion beyond 2 cm.
- Central clearing with a red outer ring (potential early Lyme disease sign).
- Fever, headache, joint pain accompanying the bite site.
- Persistent itching or ulceration.
Accurate identification of the bite’s appearance assists in early detection of tick‑borne illnesses and informs timely removal and treatment.