What does a leg look like after a tick bite? - briefly
A tick bite usually appears as a tiny, red, round spot with a central puncture mark, sometimes accompanied by slight swelling or a rash. If the tick stays attached, the lesion can enlarge, become warm, and feel tender.
What does a leg look like after a tick bite? - in detail
A tick attachment leaves a pinpoint puncture at the site of the bite. The entry point appears as a tiny, often barely visible, red dot surrounded by a thin, pinkish halo. The surrounding skin may be slightly raised, giving a subtle bump that can be felt under the surface.
Within hours to days, the localized reaction can expand. The erythema may enlarge to a diameter of 2–5 cm, forming a uniform ring of redness. In many cases the border becomes slightly raised, while the center remains paler or shows a small dark spot marking the tick’s mouthparts. This pattern, sometimes called a “target” or “bull’s‑eye,” is characteristic of early Lyme disease.
Additional visual changes may include:
- Mild swelling of the surrounding tissue, giving the leg a slightly puffy appearance.
- Warmth to the touch, indicating local inflammation.
- Small vesicles or blisters that can develop on the edge of the expanding rash.
- In rare instances, ulceration or necrotic tissue at the bite site, producing a dark, crater‑like lesion.
If the bite triggers an allergic or secondary bacterial infection, the skin can become more intensely red, develop pus‑filled pustules, or exhibit crusted scabs. These signs often accompany increased tenderness and may spread beyond the initial area.
Systemic manifestations, such as fever, chills, fatigue, or joint pain, do not alter the leg’s visual appearance directly but may accompany the cutaneous signs described above. Early recognition of the described skin changes enables prompt medical evaluation and treatment.