What does a tick bite look like in a photograph? - briefly
A photograph of a tick bite typically shows a small, reddish‑to‑brown puncture or raised spot, often surrounded by a faint halo of inflammation, with the engorged tick visible attached to the skin if still present. The mark may be slightly raised and may change color as the bite heals.
What does a tick bite look like in a photograph? - in detail
A tick attachment captured on camera shows a small, dark, oval or round body embedded in the skin. The mouthparts, often called a hypostome, appear as a tiny, pale, pointed projection extending into the epidermis; in high‑resolution images it may be visible as a thin, translucent line. Surrounding the attachment site, the skin may display a slight erythema or a faint halo, especially if the bite is recent. In most photographs the surrounding tissue remains intact, with no obvious ulceration unless secondary infection is present.
Key visual elements:
- Body size: 2–5 mm for nymphs, up to 10 mm for adult females; appears as a raised, crusty nodule.
- Color contrast: Dark brown to black tick against typically lighter skin tones.
- Mouthpart visibility: Thin, whitish needle‑like structure protruding from the central part of the body.
- Skin reaction: Minimal redness or a small, pale ring; may evolve to a bull’s‑eye rash in later stages.
- Attachment angle: Often at a shallow angle, with the tick’s legs visible on the surface.
When the photograph is taken with macro or close‑up settings, the tick’s legs can be distinguished, showing six pairs of short, jointed appendages. In lower‑resolution images, the tick may appear as a simple black spot, but the central puncture and surrounding discoloration remain discernible.