What does a tick bite under the armpit look like? - briefly
A tick bite in the armpit typically presents as a small, red, raised spot with a pinpoint central puncture. If the tick is still attached, a dark, swollen body may be visible within the lesion.
What does a tick bite under the armpit look like? - in detail
A tick attachment in the axillary area typically appears as a small, raised spot where the parasite’s mouthparts have pierced the skin. The central point may be a pinpoint puncture, often surrounded by a faint halo of redness that can extend a few millimeters outward. The surrounding skin may feel warm to the touch and, if the tick is still attached, a dark, engorged body can be seen protruding from the center. When the tick expands with blood, its abdomen becomes noticeably swollen, giving the lesion a dome‑shaped profile. In many cases the bite site is slightly itchy or tender, but pain is not always present.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: initial puncture ≤2 mm; after feeding, the tick’s body can reach 5–10 mm in length.
- Color: pale or pink skin with a red or erythematous ring; the tick itself is typically brown to reddish‑black.
- Shape: circular or oval central point; raised edges may form a faint “target” pattern.
- Texture: smooth surface under the tick; after removal, a small, firm nodule may remain.
If the tick has been removed, the wound may still show a central scab or crust. The surrounding erythema can persist for several days, gradually fading without intervention. Persistent swelling, expanding rash, or flu‑like symptoms after a bite warrant medical evaluation for possible infection such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.