What does a tick bite on a child's leg look like? - briefly
A tick bite typically presents as a tiny red or pink spot with a central puncture point, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo. If the tick stays attached and swells, the area can become a raised, itchy bump resembling a small rash.
What does a tick bite on a child's leg look like? - in detail
A tick bite on a child’s lower limb typically begins as a small, raised bump where the mouthparts have anchored. The lesion measures 2–5 mm in diameter, often appearing as a pink or reddish papule. A dark, pinpoint opening—known as the feeding punctum—may be visible at the center. As the tick feeds, the surrounding skin can develop a faint halo of erythema that expands gradually; this halo may reach 1–2 cm in radius and is usually uniform in color.
If the bite is recent (within 24 hours), the area is generally painless and may feel slightly warm to the touch. Over the next few days, the lesion can become more pronounced: the central punctum may darken, and the surrounding redness can intensify. In some cases, a small vesicle or blister forms at the site, indicating a localized irritation or an early allergic response.
Signs that suggest complications include:
- Rapid expansion of the erythematous ring beyond 5 cm
- Presence of a fever, headache, or muscle aches
- Swelling that spreads to adjacent joints, especially the knee
- A rash resembling a target or “bullseye” pattern, with concentric rings of varying shades
- Persistent itching, burning, or pain at the bite site
The skin around the bite may become dry or scaly as the lesion resolves. Typically, the punctum disappears within a week, and the inflammation subsides over 2–3 weeks if no infection occurs. Prompt removal of the tick and monitoring for the described symptoms are essential to prevent transmission of tick‑borne diseases.