What does a close-up photo of a tick bite look like? - briefly
A macro image reveals a small, reddish puncture with a faint surrounding halo, often showing the tick’s mouthparts as tiny black or brown hooks. The adjacent skin may display a ring of erythema or a raised papule marking the attachment site.
What does a close-up photo of a tick bite look like? - in detail
A magnified image of a tick bite reveals a small, circular lesion typically ranging from 2 mm to 8 mm in diameter. The central point often appears as a pinpoint puncture where the tick’s mandibles penetrated the epidermis; this area may be slightly raised or exhibit a tiny hemorrhagic spot. Surrounding the core, the skin frequently shows a uniform ring of erythema that can be pink, reddish‑brown, or, in later stages, a dusky hue. The border of the erythematous zone is usually well defined, with a gradual fade into normal tissue.
Key visual elements include:
- Central punctum – a pinpoint opening, occasionally filled with a thin crust or dried blood.
- Peripheral erythema – a concentric ring of inflammation, often symmetrical around the puncture.
- Skin texture – the immediate area may appear slightly raised or indented; adjacent skin remains smooth.
- Color variation – early lesions are pink to light red; older lesions may turn brownish or develop a central necrotic area.
- Presence of the tick – if the arthropod remains attached, its body and legs may be visible as a dark, elongated shape partially embedded in the skin, with the head positioned near the punctum.
In high‑resolution close‑up photographs, the lighting emphasizes contrast between the inflamed ring and the surrounding healthy tissue, making the lesion’s shape and size readily measurable. The image may also capture subtle swelling of the surrounding dermis, visible as a faint elevation around the erythematous margin.