What does a tick look like on facial skin? - briefly
A facial tick presents as a tiny, round, dark‑colored bump that may feel firm to the touch. After feeding, it enlarges into a swollen, reddish‑brown lump resembling a pimple.
What does a tick look like on facial skin? - in detail
A tick embedded in facial tissue appears as a small, rounded body that may be flat or slightly raised. In the early feeding stage, the organism measures 2–5 mm in length, has a smooth, pale brown or reddish‑orange surface, and its legs are clearly visible at the anterior edge. The front pair of legs, which function as sensory organs, often rest on the skin surface, while the other legs are concealed beneath the body.
When the parasite begins to engorge, its abdomen expands dramatically, reaching up to 10 mm or more. The engorged form becomes noticeably swollen, taking on a deep, bluish‑gray hue. The skin around the attachment site may show a tiny puncture mark, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo of erythema or a small, raised bump. The mouthparts—specifically the hypostome—remain embedded, appearing as a dark, pointed projection extending into the dermis.
Typical visual cues include:
- Size progression: 2–5 mm (unengorged) → 8–12 mm (engorged).
- Color shift: light brown → dark gray/blue.
- Shape change: flat, oval to rounded, balloon‑like abdomen.
- Leg visibility: anterior legs often visible; other legs hidden.
- Attachment point: a central puncture with possible surrounding redness or swelling.
The tick’s body surface is generally smooth, lacking hairs or scales, and may feel slightly tacky when pressed. In cases of prolonged attachment, the tick’s abdomen can dominate the visual field, making the head and legs difficult to discern. Immediate identification relies on recognizing these size, color, and morphological changes on the facial skin.