What does a tick bite look like under the skin? - briefly
A tick attachment typically appears as a tiny, raised red papule with a pinpoint central puncture site, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo of erythema. The lesion may be barely visible, especially on thin skin, and often lacks swelling beyond the immediate area.
What does a tick bite look like under the skin? - in detail
A tick attachment creates a minute puncture point that often appears as a pinpoint erythema. The lesion is typically less than 2 mm in diameter and may be surrounded by a faint halo of redness. The central area may be slightly raised if the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded, producing a visible “button‑hole” effect when the animal is removed.
In the hours following the bite, the skin can develop a localized swelling, sometimes described as a papule or a small wheal. The surrounding erythema may expand slowly, forming a larger, often circular area that can reach several centimeters. This expansion is characteristic of the early stage of the Lyme‑disease rash (erythema migrans), which usually presents as a gradually enlarging, uniformly red patch with a clear central clearing.
Key visual indicators include:
- Tiny, red punctum at the bite site
- Slight elevation or depression where the tick’s hypostome is lodged
- Peripheral erythema that may be uniform or exhibit a target‑like pattern
- Possible central clearing as the lesion matures
If the bite is recent, the skin may feel warm and mildly tender. Over several days, the inflammation can subside, leaving a small scar or residual discoloration. Persistent or expanding redness, fever, fatigue, or joint pain should prompt medical evaluation, as they may signal systemic infection.