What does a tick bite look like on a human's head? - briefly
A tick bite on the scalp presents as a tiny, red or pink puncture surrounded by a faint halo, often with a small area of localized swelling. The attached, engorged tick may be visible at the margin of the lesion.
What does a tick bite look like on a human's head? - in detail
A tick attachment on the scalp typically presents as a small, firm nodule embedded in the skin. The central point where the mouthparts penetrate appears as a dark dot, often resembling a puncture wound. Surrounding the entry point, the skin may be slightly raised and may exhibit mild erythema or swelling, especially if the bite is recent.
Key visual characteristics include:
- A raised, round or oval lesion, size ranging from a few millimetres to about one centimetre.
- A dark, often black or brown, central punctum corresponding to the tick’s feeding apparatus.
- Possible surrounding redness, which can be more pronounced in individuals with sensitive skin.
- Presence of the tick’s body attached to the skin, appearing as a small, flattened, oval organism; legs may be visible on the dorsal side.
- Occasionally, a clear halo of skin discoloration forms around the bite after the tick detaches, which may persist for several days.
If the bite is older, the central punctum may become less distinct, and the lesion can evolve into a small, raised scar. In some cases, a target‑like rash (erythema migrans) may develop days to weeks later, indicating potential transmission of pathogens. Immediate removal of the attached arthropod, followed by cleaning the area with antiseptic, reduces the risk of infection and facilitates accurate assessment of the bite’s appearance.