What does a subcutaneous tick look like in humans? - briefly
It appears as a firm, pea‑sized nodule under the skin, often showing a tiny central punctum where the mouthparts are anchored. The overlying skin may be mildly red but the tick’s legs are not visible externally.
What does a subcutaneous tick look like in humans? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated beneath the epidermis presents as a small, often dome‑shaped nodule embedded in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. The lesion is usually firm to the touch, with a diameter ranging from 2 mm to 8 mm, depending on the tick’s developmental stage. The surface may appear pale or grayish, contrasting with the surrounding skin tone, and often displays a central punctum or tiny opening where the mouthparts remain attached to the host.
Typical visual cues include:
- Elevated, rounded bump: the tick’s body creates a raised area that does not flatten under pressure.
- Central scar or pore: a pinpoint depression marks the attachment site of the hypostome.
- Surrounding erythema: mild redness may surround the nodule, reflecting localized inflammation.
- Possible ulceration: in some cases the overlying epidermis thins or breaks, exposing the tick’s abdomen.
- Encapsulation: chronic lesions can develop a thin fibrous capsule, giving the nodule a smooth, slightly glossy appearance.
The coloration may shift as the tick feeds; engorged specimens become engorged, taking on a darker brown or reddish hue. In contrast to a superficial tick that is easily visible on the skin surface, a subdermal tick is often partially hidden, making the central punctum the most reliable identifier.
Additional signs that suggest a deeper infestation:
- Persistent itching or a sensation of movement under the skin.
- Localized swelling that does not resolve after standard tick removal.
- Development of a small, painless lump that gradually enlarges over days to weeks.
Recognition relies on careful inspection of the nodule’s morphology, the presence of a punctate entry point, and any accompanying inflammatory response. Early identification enables appropriate extraction and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.