What does a tick bite look like after the tick has fallen off? - briefly
After the tick detaches, the bite site typically appears as a small, red, slightly raised spot that may be surrounded by a faint halo; the center often remains a pinpoint puncture without a visible tick mouthpart. If the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, or develops a rash, medical evaluation is recommended.
What does a tick bite look like after the tick has fallen off? - in detail
After the arthropod detaches, the site typically presents as a small, round, erythematous papule. The diameter ranges from a few millimeters up to about one centimeter. A central punctum or tiny scar marks the point where the mouthparts were anchored. The surrounding skin may show mild swelling and a faint halo of redness.
In some cases, the lesion evolves into an annular pattern with a darker central area and a lighter peripheral ring, resembling a target. This configuration often indicates early dissemination of a spirochete infection. The border may be slightly raised, and the center can become a crust or ulcer.
Additional observations include:
- Mild itching or tenderness that lasts several days
- Formation of a thin scab over the punctum within 24–48 hours
- Absence of visible signs if the bite occurred on hair‑covered skin
- Development of a larger erythema migrans rash, typically 3–5 cm in diameter, appearing days to weeks later if infection is present
The appearance may vary with the tick’s feeding duration. Short attachment often leaves only a faint, flat red spot, while prolonged feeding can produce a more pronounced papule with a central scar. Monitoring the site for changes, especially the emergence of a target‑shaped rash, is essential for early detection of tick‑borne diseases.