What does a tick bite on the foot look like? - briefly
A tick bite on the foot usually presents as a small, red or pink puncture mark, sometimes surrounded by a faint, raised halo. The tick itself may remain attached, appearing as a dark, engorged speck at the center of the lesion.
What does a tick bite on the foot look like? - in detail
A tick bite on the foot typically appears as a small, raised bump at the site where the arthropod attached. The initial lesion may be barely visible, often resembling a tiny papule or a pinpoint puncture. Within a few hours, the area can become slightly swollen and reddened, forming a faint halo that may spread outward.
The central point of the bite often shows a dark, crusty spot, representing the tick’s mouthparts after detachment. Surrounding the core, the skin may exhibit a uniform pink to reddish coloration, sometimes with a raised border. In many cases, the lesion remains painless, although mild itching or tingling can occur.
If the bite persists beyond 24 hours, the redness may expand into a larger, oval-shaped erythema. When associated with Borrelia infection, the rash can develop a characteristic “bull’s‑eye” pattern: a clear central area surrounded by a red ring, typically 5–30 cm in diameter. The center may be slightly lighter than the surrounding ring, and the edges are often well defined.
Additional visual cues can include:
- Localized swelling: mild edema of the foot, especially around the ankle or toe where the bite occurred.
- Warmth: the affected skin may feel warmer than adjacent tissue.
- Secondary lesions: small vesicles or pustules may form if infection progresses.
- Systemic signs: fever, headache, or fatigue may accompany the skin changes, indicating possible disease transmission.
The appearance can vary with the tick’s life stage. Nymphs, being smaller, often leave a barely perceptible puncture, while adult ticks create a more noticeable, larger wound. The bite’s location on the foot influences visibility; areas with thicker skin, such as the heel, may mask swelling, whereas softer regions like the arch or between toes display clearer inflammation.
Prompt removal of the attached tick reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. After extraction, clean the site with antiseptic and observe the wound for at least two weeks. Document any changes in size, color, or shape, and seek medical evaluation if a expanding rash, especially a target‑shaped lesion, develops.