What does a tick bite look like on the head? - briefly
On the scalp, a tick attachment typically presents as a small red papule surrounding a dark central point where the mouthparts are embedded, often accompanied by slight swelling of the surrounding skin. Occasionally a clear halo or a «target‑shaped» lesion forms around the bite site.
What does a tick bite look like on the head? - in detail
A tick attached to the scalp typically presents as a small, rounded swelling where the mouthparts have penetrated the skin. The surrounding area may appear slightly reddened, and a central puncture point, often difficult to see, can be identified under close inspection. The tick itself can be seen as a dark, engorged organism ranging from a few millimeters to over a centimeter, depending on the duration of attachment.
Common visual indicators include:
- A raised, firm nodule at the bite site, sometimes resembling a tiny lump.
- A faint halo of erythema extending a few millimeters from the central point.
- Presence of the tick’s body, which may be partially hidden under hair; careful parting of hair reveals the parasite.
- In some cases, a clear or slightly serous fluid may be observed at the entry point, especially if the tick has been removed recently.
If the bite persists beyond several days, additional signs may develop:
- Expansion of the erythematous ring, potentially forming a target‑like pattern.
- Development of a papular or vesicular lesion surrounding the original puncture.
- Onset of localized itching or tenderness, indicating an inflammatory response.
Prompt removal of the tick, using fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the mouthparts close to the skin, reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. After extraction, the bite site should be cleaned with antiseptic and monitored for changes in size, color, or the emergence of systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. Continued enlargement or the appearance of a bull’s‑eye rash warrants immediate medical evaluation.