What does a tick under the skin look like in a person, and what are the symptoms? - briefly
A tick embedded beneath the epidermis appears as a tiny, raised, often reddish or dark bump with a central puncture point that may resemble a papule or nodule. Typical signs include localized itching or pain, redness, swelling, and, if disease transmission occurs, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
What does a tick under the skin look like in a person, and what are the symptoms? - in detail
Ticks that have penetrated the epidermis present as a small, often circular, raised area. The body of the parasite may be visible as a dark, oval or rounded mass, sometimes resembling a tiny black dot or a faintly colored lump. When the mouthparts remain embedded, a tiny pin‑point opening can be seen at the centre of the lesion. The surrounding skin may appear slightly red, swollen, or normal in colour, depending on the individual’s reaction.
Typical clinical manifestations include:
- Localized itching or burning sensation at the site.
- Mild pain or tenderness when pressure is applied.
- Redness that may expand outward, forming a small halo.
- Swelling that can develop into a palpable nodule.
- Occasionally, a clear or serous fluid may seep from the puncture point.
- Systemic signs such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain may appear if the tick transmits an infectious agent (e.g., Borrelia spp. causing Lyme disease).
If the tick remains attached for several days, the lesion can enlarge, and the risk of pathogen transmission increases. Early detection and prompt removal reduce complications. After extraction, the bite area often continues to itch for a few days; topical antihistamines or corticosteroid creams can alleviate discomfort. Persistent redness, expanding rash, or flu‑like symptoms warrant medical evaluation to rule out tick‑borne illnesses.