What does a tick look like when it sticks to me like a thorn? - briefly
A tick attached to skin looks like a tiny, dark, rounded bump, often resembling a small prick or splinter. Its body may appear slightly swollen and its legs are barely visible against the surface.
What does a tick look like when it sticks to me like a thorn? - in detail
A tick attached to skin resembles a small, engorged parasite that protrudes from the surface like a sharp point. The body is oval, flattened before feeding, and becomes rounder and balloon‑like after blood intake. Its size varies from 1 mm (unfed larva) to 5–10 mm (fully engorged adult). The outer shell, or cuticle, is a leathery, brown‑to‑dark‑gray shield that may appear glossy when moist. The mouthparts form a short, needle‑like projection that penetrates the epidermis; this projection is often mistaken for a thorn because it is rigid, pointed, and can be felt as a tiny bump beneath the skin.
Key visual characteristics:
- Color: Light brown or reddish‑brown after feeding; lighter, tan‑colored before feeding.
- Shape: Initially flat and oval; becomes spherical and distended when engorged.
- Surface texture: Smooth, slightly sticky; may show tiny hairs (setae) along the sides.
- Mouthparts: A pair of chelicerae and a barbed hypostome that anchor the tick, visible as a tiny, dark tip protruding from the body’s underside.
- Attachment site: Often at the base of hair follicles or in skin folds; the surrounding skin may appear slightly reddened or inflamed.
When the parasite is firmly attached, the point of entry creates a small, raised area that can be palpated like a thorn’s tip. The surrounding area may exhibit a faint halo of irritation, but the tick itself remains the most prominent feature, visible as a compact, dark mass embedded in the skin.