What does a tick bite on a person's head look like? - briefly
A tick bite on the scalp appears as a tiny red or pink puncture mark, often surrounded by a faint halo and sometimes a small dark dot where the mouthparts are attached. If the parasite remains, a minute, raised, dark head can be seen in the center of the lesion.
What does a tick bite on a person's head look like? - in detail
A tick bite on the scalp typically appears as a tiny, punctate lesion at the point where the arthropod’s mouthparts have pierced the skin. Initially the site may be a faint, pinkish dot about 2‑3 mm in diameter. As the tick feeds, the surrounding tissue often becomes slightly raised and reddened, forming a small halo that can range from a few millimeters to a centimeter in width. The central point may look darker, resembling a black speck, which represents the tick’s embedded hypostome. If the tick remains attached for several days, the lesion can swell noticeably, sometimes developing a raised, dome‑shaped bump that feels firm to the touch.
In some cases the bite evolves into a target‑shaped rash, with concentric rings of erythema surrounding a central clearing. This pattern may indicate infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) and warrants immediate medical evaluation. Accompanying symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain suggest systemic involvement.
Key visual cues for identification:
- Size: 2‑5 mm initially; may enlarge to 1‑2 cm if engorged.
- Color: Pink to red surrounding tissue; central dark spot (tick’s mouthparts) or black tick body if still attached.
- Shape: Round or oval punctum with possible peripheral halo; target pattern in infectious cases.
- Texture: Slightly raised, firm, may feel tender.
- Location: Often hidden by hair; hair must be parted to expose the bite.
Because hair can obscure the lesion, a careful inspection using a fine‑tooth comb or magnifying lens is recommended. If a live tick is present, grasp it with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure to avoid leaving mouthparts behind. After removal, clean the area with antiseptic and monitor for changes over the next 48‑72 hours. Persistent redness, expanding rash, or systemic symptoms require professional medical assessment.