What does a tick bite look like on a person's leg? - briefly
A tick bite typically presents as a tiny red or pink bump with a central puncture point, often accompanied by slight swelling or irritation. If the parasite stays attached, the site may show a clear halo or a darkened area where the engorged tick resides.
What does a tick bite look like on a person's leg? - in detail
A tick attachment on the lower limb typically presents as a small, raised spot where the insect’s mouthparts have pierced the skin. The initial lesion is often a pinpoint puncture surrounded by a faint, pinkish halo. As the tick feeds, the area may enlarge to 3–5 mm in diameter, sometimes reaching 1 cm if the arthropod becomes engorged. The central point may appear as a dark dot—the tick’s head or a tiny scab—while the surrounding skin can turn reddish, warm, or mildly swollen.
Common visual features include:
- Size progression: from a pin‑prick lesion to a visible bump as the tick fills with blood.
- Color changes: pale or pink base, with possible darkening at the center; a concentric ring of redness may develop, resembling a target pattern.
- Texture: smooth, slightly raised surface; the tick’s body may be felt as a firm, rounded lump attached to the skin.
- Location tendencies: often found in moist areas such as the back of the knee, inner thigh, or ankle, where the skin folds provide easy access.
- Surrounding reaction: mild edema, occasional itching, or a tingling sensation; in some cases, a small blister or ulceration can form if the bite becomes infected.
- Tick visibility: the arthropod itself may be visible as a dark, oval shape embedded in the skin, especially after several hours of attachment.
If the bite is left untreated, the lesion may persist for several days, gradually fading as the tick detaches. Persistent redness, increasing swelling, pus, or a fever indicate secondary infection and require medical evaluation. Prompt removal of the tick and cleaning of the site reduce the risk of disease transmission and minimize tissue reaction.