What does a tick look like on a person? - briefly
A tick attached to human skin looks like a small, round, dark brown or black lump, similar to a tiny bump or speck of dirt. After feeding it may become slightly raised and engorged, commonly found in warm, hidden areas such as the scalp, armpits, or groin.
What does a tick look like on a person? - in detail
A tick attached to human skin appears as a small, rounded or oval body that expands after feeding. The unfed stage, called a nymph or larva, is typically 1–3 mm in length, light brown, and may be difficult to see against hair or clothing. Once engorged, the adult can reach 5–10 mm, sometimes larger, and its color changes to a reddish‑brown or grayish hue, resembling a tiny, swollen bump.
Key visual characteristics:
- Shape: Rounded, dome‑shaped, with a smooth dorsal surface.
- Size: Ranges from a few millimetres (unfed) to up to 1 cm (fully engorged).
- Color: Light tan or brown when unfed; darkening to deep brown or gray after blood intake.
- Legs: Eight visible legs clustered near the front; each leg is thin, segmented, and may be partially hidden by the body.
- Mouthparts: A short, protruding hypostome (piercing organ) often visible as a tiny point at the front; it anchors the tick to the skin.
- Location: Commonly found in warm, moist areas such as the scalp, armpits, groin, behind the knees, and around the waistline.
When a tick is attached, the surrounding skin may show a small, red or pink halo caused by irritation. The tick’s body may appear slightly translucent, allowing a faint view of the blood meal within. If the tick is partially detached, the mouthparts can remain embedded, appearing as a tiny black speck.
Recognizing these features enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.