What does a wound look like when a tick has bitten? - briefly
The bite appears as a tiny red or pink puncture, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo. A small black dot may mark the spot where the tick’s mouthparts were attached.
What does a wound look like when a tick has bitten? - in detail
A tick bite typically leaves a tiny, often barely visible, puncture wound. The entry point is a pinpoint opening, usually 1–2 mm in diameter, surrounded by a faint halo of redness that may be pink or light brown. The surrounding skin can appear slightly raised, giving a subtle, dome‑shaped swelling that is most noticeable after the tick has been attached for several hours.
When the parasite begins to feed, the area may develop a reddish‑brown discoloration that expands outward. This peripheral erythema can reach 1–2 cm in diameter and may have a well‑defined edge. In some cases, a small scab forms over the puncture, especially if the bite has been disturbed or the tick removed improperly.
If the tick remains attached for an extended period, the wound often becomes more pronounced:
- Central punctum: a minute, often invisible, opening where the mouthparts entered.
- Surrounding erythema: pink to reddish‑brown ring, sometimes with a slightly raised border.
- Edema: mild swelling that may feel firm to the touch.
- Hyperpigmentation: a darker spot that can persist for weeks after removal.
- Secondary signs: itching, tenderness, or a thin, clear fluid exuding from the site.
Complications such as infection or tick‑borne disease can alter the appearance. Redness may spread rapidly, forming a larger, poorly defined area; the skin may become warm, painful, and may develop pus or a crusted lesion. A characteristic “target” or “bull’s‑eye” pattern—central clearing surrounded by concentric rings of erythema—can indicate early Lyme disease.
Observation of these visual cues, combined with knowledge of recent outdoor exposure, assists in identifying a tick bite and determining whether medical evaluation is required.