What does a tick look like on a human face? - briefly
A tick attached to the face appears as a small, round, darkened bump that can enlarge to pea size after feeding. It has a smooth, dome‑shaped body, visible legs, and a tiny, transparent mouthpart protruding from its underside.
What does a tick look like on a human face? - in detail
A tick attached to facial skin presents as a small, oval or rounded body that may range from 2 mm (unfed) to over 10 mm (engorged). The dorsal surface is usually brown, reddish‑brown, or gray, sometimes with a lighter scutum (hard shield) that contrasts against the darker background. When the parasite expands after feeding, the abdomen swells dramatically, taking on a balloon‑like shape and often turning a deep reddish or bluish hue.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: 2–5 mm before blood intake; 8–12 mm or larger after engorgement.
- Color: Variable; unfed ticks are tan to brown, engorged ticks appear darker, sometimes with a glossy sheen.
- Shape: Rounded, slightly flattened dorsally; the ventral side houses the mouthparts that protrude from the skin.
- Mouthparts: Visible as a tiny, dark, pin‑like projection (the hypostome) emerging from the center of the body.
- Location: Often found in warm, moist areas such as the hairline, around the ears, under the jaw, or near the eyes, where the skin is thin and vascular.
Additional clues include:
- A hard, smooth surface that feels firm to the touch.
- A slight indentation or puncture mark at the center where the feeding tube anchors.
- Possible redness or a halo of inflammation surrounding the attachment site, especially if the tick is active for several days.
Recognizing these features enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.