What does a subcutaneous tick look like on the hands? - briefly
A subcutaneous tick embedded in the hand presents as a small, raised, flesh‑colored nodule with a central punctum, often resembling a cyst. The surrounding skin may show slight redness or swelling, while the tick itself remains hidden beneath the surface.
What does a subcutaneous tick look like on the hands? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated the dermis of the hand appears as a small, raised nodule beneath the skin surface. The lesion is typically firm to the touch and may be slightly tender. Its color ranges from pale pink or light brown to a darker brown, depending on the species and the degree of engorgement. The overlying epidermis often remains intact, giving the impression of a smooth bump rather than an open wound.
Key visual characteristics include:
- A central puncture point, sometimes visible as a tiny pinhole at the center of the raised area.
- A raised, dome‑shaped outline that may be 2–5 mm in diameter for an unfed tick and up to 10 mm or more when engorged.
- A surrounding erythematous halo, which can be faint or pronounced, indicating local inflammation.
- Absence of a visible mouthpart protruding from the skin; the feeding apparatus is concealed beneath the epidermis.
Additional clinical clues:
- The nodule may shift slightly if the hand is moved, because the tick’s body is attached to the host’s tissue.
- A gradual increase in size over hours to days suggests blood intake.
- Mild itching or a crawling sensation may be reported, though pain is not always present.
- In some cases, a small black dot (the tick’s anus) can be seen at the center of the lesion.
Differentiation from other hand lesions:
- Unlike a cyst, a subdermal tick does not produce a clear fluid when pressed.
- Compared with a papule caused by an insect bite, a tick’s lesion is more localized and often exhibits the central puncture point.
- A foreign body granuloma may feel harder and lack the characteristic central opening.
Recognition of these features enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.