What does a tick under the skin of a human look like? - briefly
When attached, a tick appears as a tiny, dome‑shaped nodule roughly the size of a pinhead, gray‑brown in color, with a visible dark point where its mouthparts penetrate the skin. The surrounding area may be slightly raised and can bleed if the parasite is disturbed.
What does a tick under the skin of a human look like? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated the epidermis appears as a small, rounded mass beneath the surface of the skin. Initially, the parasite is flat, pale‑brown or gray, and measures 1–2 mm in length. Its mouthparts—chelicerae and hypostome—anchor the organism and are not visible externally, but a tiny puncture or dark spot may mark the entry point.
As the tick feeds, its body expands dramatically. The abdomen swells with blood, becoming a dome‑shaped, reddish‑brown to dark blue structure that can reach 5–10 mm in diameter. The dorsal shield (scutum) remains lighter in color, often visible as a contrasting patch on the engorged abdomen. Legs, six in total, protrude from the sides and may be faintly discernible through the skin, giving the impression of a tiny, moving lump.
The surrounding tissue often reacts with a localized erythema or a raised, firm nodule. In many cases the skin over the tick remains intact, creating a translucent window through which the engorged body can be observed. Occasionally, the tick’s anterior portion may protrude slightly, appearing as a tiny black tip emerging from the skin.
Key visual cues for identification:
- Size increase from 1–2 mm (unfed) to 5–10 mm (engorged)
- Color shift from pale gray to deep reddish‑brown or blue
- Dome‑shaped, bulging abdomen with a lighter scutum patch
- Visible legs at the periphery, sometimes moving subtly
- Small puncture or dark spot at the attachment site, often surrounded by mild redness
Recognition of these characteristics enables accurate assessment of a tick that has burrowed beneath the skin surface.