What does a tick bite wound look? - briefly
The bite appears as a tiny, red puncture, usually painless, sometimes with a faint surrounding halo. After the tick detaches, a small scar may remain at the attachment point.
What does a tick bite wound look? - in detail
A tick bite typically leaves a tiny puncture wound that may be difficult to see without close inspection. The entry point is often a red dot or a small, pin‑prick‑size punctum, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo of erythema. In many cases the surrounding skin remains normal, especially if the tick was removed promptly.
When the arthropod has been attached for several hours, the site may show:
- A central spot, 1–3 mm in diameter, often pink or reddish.
- A surrounding area of mild swelling or redness extending up to 5 mm from the center.
- A tiny, darkened area if the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded.
- Possible crusting or scabbing after the bite heals.
If the tick remains attached for 24 hours or more, the lesion can enlarge. The skin may become more inflamed, with a broader erythematous ring that can reach several centimeters. In some instances, a raised, itchy bump (a papule) forms around the puncture.
A characteristic sign of early Lyme disease is the “erythema migrans” rash. This appears days to weeks after the bite and is:
- Expanding, often reaching 5–30 cm in diameter.
- Initially a solid red patch that later develops a clear central clearing, giving a bull’s‑eye appearance.
- Warm to the touch, sometimes slightly tender, but usually not painful.
Other possible reactions include:
- Localized itching or mild pain at the site.
- Small vesicles or blisters, indicating an allergic response.
- Secondary bacterial infection, signaled by increasing pain, pus, or a spreading red line (lymphangitis).
The visual progression of a tick bite can be summarized as follows:
- Immediate: minute puncture, little to no visible change.
- 12–24 hours: slight redness, possible tiny swelling.
- 24–48 hours: enlarged erythema, possible papule.
- 3–7 days: potential development of erythema migrans or other rash patterns.
- 1 week+: healing with scab formation, or, if complications arise, signs of infection or persistent inflammation.
Recognizing these features enables prompt assessment and appropriate medical action.