What does a facial tick look like on the face? - briefly
It typically appears as a small, red, raised bump or a thin, irritated line on the skin, sometimes accompanied by mild swelling. The affected spot may feel tender or slightly itchy.
What does a facial tick look like on the face? - in detail
Facial ticks appear as tiny, elongated or oval bodies attached to the skin, typically measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are flat, soft, and often gray‑brown, matching the surrounding hair or skin tone, which can make them difficult to see without close inspection. The ventral side, which contacts the skin, may be slightly darker due to blood ingestion.
Key visual features include:
- Size and shape: Small, flattened, and slightly raised; edges may be smooth or faintly scalloped.
- Color: Ranges from light tan to dark brown; engorged specimens can turn reddish‑purple after feeding.
- Location: Commonly found on the eyelids, cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth, where hair or skin folds create a protected micro‑environment.
- Attachment point: A short, pointed mouthpart (hypostome) may be visible as a tiny protrusion at the rear of the body, often hidden beneath the tick’s shield (scutum).
- Movement: Generally immobile after attachment; occasional slight twitching may be observed as the tick adjusts its grip.
Additional clues that help differentiate a facial tick from other skin irregularities:
- Presence of a clear feeding line: A small, pale track from the mouthpart to the skin surface, sometimes visible as a thin line of saliva.
- Absence of rash or inflammation: Early attachment may not provoke a noticeable reaction, whereas bites from other insects often cause redness or itching.
- Hard dorsal plate: In many species, the scutum is a rigid, shield‑like structure that contrasts with the softer ventral side.
When a tick is removed, the site may exhibit a tiny puncture wound. If the tick has been feeding for several hours, a faint swelling or localized redness can develop, but the primary identifier remains the distinctive, flat, brown body adhered to the facial skin.