What does a bite from a forest tick look like? - briefly
A forest tick bite typically appears as a tiny, red, raised spot that may develop a dark, central dot where the mouthparts remain attached; the surrounding area is usually smooth and painless. The lesion can resemble a small bullseye if inflammation spreads outward.
What does a bite from a forest tick look like? - in detail
A forest tick attachment typically begins with a tiny, puncture-sized opening that may be invisible to the naked eye. Within a few hours, the site often develops a small, raised bump resembling a pinhead. The central point may appear slightly red, while the surrounding skin can stay pale or become a faint pink halo.
During the first day, the lesion often remains flat and painless. By the second or third day, a clear, circular erythema may form around the bite, measuring 2–5 cm in diameter. This “target” or “bull’s‑eye” pattern consists of a red outer ring, a lighter middle zone, and a darker core where the tick mouthparts remain attached.
If the tick has transmitted pathogens, additional signs may appear:
- Localized swelling that persists or enlarges after the tick drops off.
- Warmth and tenderness at the site.
- Small vesicles or pustules developing within the erythema.
- Systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue, typically emerging days to weeks later.
The bite’s appearance evolves as the body’s inflammatory response progresses. Initial blanching may give way to a more pronounced redness, and the central punctum often becomes a tiny scab as the tick detaches. Healing usually occurs within one to two weeks if no infection is present; persistent or expanding lesions warrant medical evaluation.