What does a tick look like on the labia? - briefly
A tick on the labial area appears as a small, round, dark brown or black lump that may be slightly raised and resemble a tiny seed or pea. After feeding, its abdomen can become noticeably swollen, and the surrounding skin often shows redness or irritation.
What does a tick look like on the labia? - in detail
A tick attached to the vulvar tissue appears as a small, rounded or oval body, usually ranging from 2 mm when unfed to 10 mm or larger after engorgement. The exoskeleton is brown to reddish‑brown, sometimes with a grayish sheen. As it feeds, the abdomen expands, becoming markedly distended and taking on a more translucent, bluish‑gray hue.
The creature’s front legs are noticeably longer than the other legs and are positioned forward, forming a “shield” that can be seen as a light‑colored or whitish patch near the attachment site. The mouthparts, called chelicerae, penetrate the skin and may be visible as a tiny dark point or as a small crater‑shaped depression surrounding the tick.
Typical visual cues include:
- A firm, raised nodule on the labial surface, often surrounded by a slight erythema.
- A clear demarcation between the tick’s body and the surrounding tissue, sometimes creating a halo of swelling.
- Presence of a dark, elongated head region (capitulum) at the anterior end.
- Progressive enlargement over hours to days, indicating blood intake.
Differential considerations:
- A blood blister or petechial lesion lacks the distinct body shape and mouthpart markers.
- A wart or molluscum contagiosum presents with a smoother surface and no engorged abdomen.
- A fungal infection shows diffuse redness and scaling rather than a discrete, raised object.
If the tick is removed, the attachment point may leave a small puncture wound that can bleed slightly and may develop a localized reaction. Prompt identification and removal reduce the risk of pathogen transmission and facilitate proper wound care.