What does a tick look like under the skin in humans? - briefly
Under the skin, a tick presents as a small, raised, reddish‑brown nodule with a dark central point where its mouthparts are embedded. The surrounding tissue may show mild swelling or a faint halo of redness.
What does a tick look like under the skin in humans? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated human skin appears as a small, rounded mass attached to the epidermis. The anterior portion, called the mouthparts, extends into the dermis and is not visible externally; it consists of a barbed hypostome that anchors the parasite. The dorsal surface, or scutum, is a hardened plate that may be brown, reddish‑brown, or gray, depending on the species and feeding stage. When unfed, the tick measures 1–3 mm in length; after several days of blood ingestion, its body expands dramatically, reaching 5–10 mm or more, taking on a balloon‑like shape.
Key visual features include:
- Color change: gradual darkening as the abdomen fills with blood.
- Size increase: noticeable swelling compared to the surrounding skin.
- Texture: a smooth, glossy exterior that contrasts with the surrounding epidermis.
- Attachment point: a tiny, often invisible bite puncture; the tick’s head remains firmly embedded, preventing easy removal.
In many cases the tick’s body may be partially hidden beneath the skin surface, giving the impression of a raised bump or nodule. Surrounding erythema or a small halo may be present, especially if the host’s immune response is active. The tick’s legs are typically not visible, as they lie close to the skin and are obscured by the engorged abdomen.
If the tick is removed prematurely, the mouthparts may remain embedded, appearing as a thin, dark filament protruding from the bite site. Complete removal usually reveals an intact, engorged organism that can be examined for species identification.