What does a subcutaneous tick bite look like on a human? - briefly
A subcutaneous tick attachment typically appears as a tiny, firm, raised lesion, usually 2–5 mm in diameter, with a red or pink halo and a central puncture point where the mouthparts entered. The area may feel slightly tender and often lacks the visible engorged tick, making it easy to overlook without close inspection.
What does a subcutaneous tick bite look like on a human? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated below the epidermis creates a small, often circular depression in the skin. The entry point may appear as a pinpoint puncture or a shallow crater, usually 1–2 mm in diameter, surrounded by a faint erythematous halo that can be pink or reddish‑brown. The surrounding area is typically smooth, without the raised bump seen with superficial bites, because the tick’s mouthparts are lodged in the dermal layer.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Central puncture: a tiny, sometimes barely visible hole where the hypostome entered.
- Peripheral discoloration: slight reddening or a faint bruise‑like ring extending 2–5 mm from the center.
- Absence of swelling: the skin remains relatively flat; any edema is minimal and may develop only if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Possible exudate: clear or serous fluid may ooze from the site, especially if the tick has been removed recently.
- Tick remnants: the engorged body can remain attached, appearing as a dark, oval shape partially embedded, often obscured by hair or clothing.
If the bite is recent, the puncture may be difficult to see without magnification. Over hours to days, the area can develop a small, firm nodule as the body’s immune response forms a granuloma around the foreign material. This nodule is typically less than 5 mm in size, firm to the touch, and may persist for weeks.
In cases where the tick has been detached, the scar tissue may leave a faint, linear scar following the path of the mouthparts. The scar is usually pale compared to surrounding skin and may be slightly indented.
Overall, the presentation is subtle: a tiny, often hidden puncture with a mild surrounding discoloration, minimal swelling, and possible residual tick body. Recognition relies on careful inspection of the skin surface and, when needed, dermatoscopic examination.