What does a tick bite look like on the skin? - briefly
A tick bite presents as a tiny, red or pink puncture mark, sometimes with a slight surrounding halo. The engorged tick may remain attached, appearing as a small, darkened bump at the site.
What does a tick bite look like on the skin? - in detail
A tick bite typically appears as a small, red puncture at the point where the mouthparts entered the skin. The opening may be barely visible, especially if the tick was removed promptly. Around the puncture, a faint halo of erythema often develops within a few hours, ranging from pink to mild brown. In many cases the surrounding area remains flat; however, an raised, slightly swollen ring can form, especially if an inflammatory response occurs.
Key visual characteristics:
- Central punctum: a pinpoint opening, sometimes surrounded by a thin, white or pale ring.
- Surrounding erythema: uniform pink‑red coloration extending 2–5 mm from the center.
- Target lesion: concentric rings of red, white, and red (bullseye) may appear, indicating possible infection.
- Edema: mild swelling of the adjacent skin, occasionally producing a raised bump.
- Crusting or scabbing: may develop if the bite is scratched or irritated over several days.
- Absence of pain: most bites are painless initially; discomfort can arise later as inflammation increases.
If the tick remains attached for several days, the bite site may enlarge, and the surrounding skin can become more pronouncedly inflamed. A hard, darkened area may form where the tick’s mouthparts are anchored, often called a “tick bite scar.” Persistent redness, expanding rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms suggest secondary infection and warrant medical evaluation.