What does a tick look like on a child? - briefly
A tick attached to a child's skin looks like a tiny, rounded brown or black lump, similar in size to a pea, with a distinct border. After feeding, its body may become swollen and its legs become visible around the edge.
What does a tick look like on a child? - in detail
A tick attached to a child appears as a small, oval or round body that may be partially or fully visible through the skin. In its unfed state, the insect measures 1–3 mm, similar to a pinhead, and exhibits a light brown or tan color. The dorsal surface is smooth, while the ventral side shows six legs in the larval stage and eight legs in nymphs and adults.
When a tick feeds, its abdomen expands dramatically, becoming noticeably larger, softer, and paler. Engorged ticks can reach 5–10 mm in length and may appear grayish or reddish, resembling a tiny, swollen bump. The head (capitulum) penetrates the skin, creating a central puncture surrounded by a raised ring of skin that may be red or pink.
Typical locations on a child include:
- scalp and hairline
- behind ears
- neck folds
- armpits
- groin and genital area
- behind knees
These areas provide warmth and protection, making attachment more likely.
Key visual cues that differentiate a feeding tick from other lesions:
- Presence of a hard, rounded body with a clear seam where the mouthparts enter the skin.
- Absence of pus or crust; the surface remains smooth.
- Gradual enlargement over hours to days as the tick fills with blood.
If the tick is removed, the empty skin opening may remain for a short period, often appearing as a tiny, pink crater that fades within a few days. Monitoring for redness, swelling, or a rash around the site is essential, as these can indicate an infection or allergic reaction.