What does a wound look like after a tick bite? - briefly
The bite usually presents as a tiny red bump, sometimes surrounded by a faint, slightly raised halo, with the tick’s mouthparts visible as a small puncture or dark central spot. Swelling or mild itching may develop around the area in the hours following the attachment.
What does a wound look like after a tick bite? - in detail
A tick bite typically leaves a tiny, often unnoticed puncture on the skin. The entry point appears as a pinpoint red spot, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo of erythema. The surrounding area may be slightly raised, giving the lesion a papular appearance. Because the mouthparts of the tick are minute, the central punctum can be difficult to see without magnification.
Within hours to a few days, the lesion can change. Common developments include:
- Expansion of the erythematous ring, sometimes reaching several centimeters in diameter.
- Formation of a central clearing that creates a target‑like pattern, known as erythema migrans, which may indicate infection with Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Development of a scab or crust over the puncture, especially if the bite is scratched or irritated.
- Mild swelling of the adjacent tissue, which may feel warm to the touch.
If the tick remains attached for an extended period, the wound may be larger. The skin around the attachment site can become more inflamed, and an engorged tick can leave a wider area of excoriation. In some cases, secondary bacterial infection produces purulent drainage, increased redness, and a raised, painful nodule.
Key visual cues to assess a tick bite wound:
- Small, pinpoint red spot with or without a central punctum.
- Slight elevation of the surrounding skin (papule).
- Possible concentric rings of redness, with a clear center.
- Presence of a crust or scab over the site.
- Localized swelling or warmth.
- Signs of infection: pus, rapid expansion of redness, tenderness.
Recognizing these characteristics helps differentiate a simple bite from complications that may require medical evaluation.