What does a tick look like on a child's body? - briefly
A tick appears as a small, round, dark brown or black lump, often resembling a tiny seed, that may be partially engorged and slightly raised on the skin. The surrounding area can show mild redness or a small bite puncture, but the insect itself is typically visible and easily felt.
What does a tick look like on a child's body? - in detail
Ticks attached to a child appear as small, oval or round bodies that flatten against the skin. In the early (larval) stage they measure about 1 mm, resembling a speck of dust, and are typically pale or reddish. Nymphs are larger, 2–5 mm, and may show a darker brown hue. Adult females, the most commonly encountered stage, range from 5 mm to 10 mm before feeding and can swell to 15 mm or more after a blood meal, becoming a noticeable, balloon‑like lump. Males remain smaller, 3–5 mm, and retain a flatter shape.
Key visual characteristics:
- Body shape: Rounded, not flat like a skin tag. The back (scutum) is often a distinct, darker shield.
- Color: Varies from light tan in unfed stages to deep brown or reddish‑black after feeding.
- Size change: Engorged females expand dramatically, creating a raised, smooth bulge.
- Attachment point: Ticks embed their mouthparts into the skin, leaving a tiny, often invisible puncture site. The surrounding skin may appear slightly reddened but usually lacks a clear bite mark.
- Movement: Ticks remain stationary once attached; they do not crawl over the surface.
When examining a child, look for the following signs:
- A small, raised bump that feels firm to the touch.
- A dark central spot indicating the tick’s head and mouthparts.
- Absence of pain; the child may not notice the attachment.
- Possible mild swelling around the area, especially with an engorged female.
If a tick is suspected, use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling upward with steady pressure. After removal, clean the site with antiseptic and observe for any rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms over the next several days, which could suggest disease transmission.