What does a tick look like on a person’s neck? - briefly
«A small, oval, dark brown or black arachnid, roughly the size of a sesame seed, clings to the neck with its mouthparts appearing as a tiny black dot». «After engorgement it expands into a smooth, reddish‑brown bump that may blend with surrounding hair».
What does a tick look like on a person’s neck? - in detail
A tick attached to the neck presents as a small, oval‑shaped parasite that becomes increasingly noticeable as it feeds. Initially, the organism measures about 2‑3 mm in length, resembling a grain of sand. The dorsal surface displays a reddish‑brown hue, often mottled with darker specks corresponding to the legs and sensory organs. The ventral side, visible when the tick is lifted, shows a lighter, creamy coloration.
During engorgement, the body expands dramatically, reaching up to 10 mm or more. The abdomen swells, taking on a balloon‑like appearance while the legs remain relatively short and tucked against the body. The skin surrounding the attachment point may appear reddened or irritated, especially if the tick has been present for several hours. In some cases, a small, pale‑white puncture mark is visible at the center of the attachment, marking the feeding site.
Key visual indicators include:
- Oval, flattened shape before feeding, becoming rounded after blood intake.
- Color shift from brownish to grayish‑white as the tick fills with blood.
- Visible legs clustered near the anterior edge, each ending in tiny claws.
- Presence of a clear, central puncture wound surrounded by slight inflammation.
Location on the neck often involves areas with thin skin or folds, such as the side of the neck, behind the ear, or near the hairline, where the parasite can remain concealed until it enlarges. Recognizing these characteristics facilitates prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.