What does a tick look like on the palm? - briefly
A tick on the palm looks like a tiny, round, dark brown‑black bump, typically 3–5 mm across, with a smooth, flattened body that may be slightly raised from the skin. The surrounding area may show a small puncture mark or mild redness, while the tick itself remains the primary visible element.
What does a tick look like on the palm? - in detail
A tick attached to the palm presents as a small, oval or round body about 2–5 mm in length when unfed. The dorsal surface is typically reddish‑brown to dark brown, sometimes with a lighter scutum (a hardened plate) visible near the front. The ventral side appears paler, often grayish. Six legs extend from the anterior margin; they are short, jointed, and can be seen as tiny protrusions around the edge of the body.
When the parasite begins to feed, its abdomen expands dramatically. An engorged specimen may reach 10 mm or more, becoming markedly swollen, lighter in color, and more translucent. The skin around the attachment site may show a slight depression where the tick’s mouthparts (the hypostome) have pierced the epidermis.
Key visual cues include:
- A smooth, dome‑shaped contour without obvious segmentation.
- Visible leg pairs clustered near the front, each ending in claw‑like tips.
- A central, darker scutum on the back of an unfed tick; absent or reduced in a fed individual.
- A gradual increase in size and color change as blood fills the body.
The palm’s skin is typically hairless and thin, making the tick’s outline more apparent against the surrounding tissue. The attachment point often aligns with the crease of the palm, where the tick can secure a firm grip. Immediate identification is essential for prompt removal to reduce the risk of disease transmission.