What does a tick look like on human skin? - briefly
A tick presents as a tiny, oval, dark brown or gray spot that may be slightly raised, resembling a small crust on the skin. After feeding, it expands into a larger, reddish‑brown, balloon‑like bump.
What does a tick look like on human skin? - in detail
A tick attached to a person’s skin appears as a small, rounded or oval mass. In its unfed (flat) stage it measures 2–5 mm in length, with a pale, reddish‑brown or grayish hue that blends with the surrounding epidermis. The body’s dorsal surface is smooth, lacking distinct legs or antennae, while the ventral side houses the mouthparts, which may be partially visible as a tiny, dark point.
When the tick begins to feed, its abdomen expands dramatically. An engorged specimen can reach 10 mm or more, becoming markedly bulging and taking on a deep, bluish‑gray or dark brown coloration. The skin around the attachment often shows a slight erythema, sometimes forming a small halo. The tick’s legs, eight in total, are short and positioned near the front of the body; they are not easily seen once the parasite is embedded.
Key visual indicators include:
- Size change: from flat (2–5 mm) to engorged (up to 15 mm).
- Color shift: light brown/gray to dark brown/blue‑gray.
- Body shape: flat and smooth to rounded and bulging.
- Mouthparts: a tiny, dark, protruding hypostome at the feeding site.
- Skin reaction: mild redness, occasionally a central puncture mark.
The attachment point is commonly found in warm, protected areas such as the scalp, armpits, groin, or behind the knees. The tick’s grip is secured by a cement‑like secretion that hardens within hours, making removal more difficult as the parasite matures. Recognizing these characteristics enables prompt identification and safe extraction.