What does an ear look like when it has an ear tick? - briefly
The ear appears reddened and mildly swollen at the site where a small, dark, engorged tick is attached. The surrounding skin may show irritation, a tiny puncture mark, or slight crusting around the parasite.
What does an ear look like when it has an ear tick? - in detail
An ear that is hosting a tick presents several distinct visual cues. The arachnid is usually visible as a small, rounded body attached to the skin, often near the outer rim or the cartilage of the ear. Its color ranges from light brown to dark gray, depending on species and feeding stage. When the tick is engorged, the abdomen expands dramatically, creating a bulbous shape that can be as large as a pea.
Key observable features include:
- Localized redness: a narrow ring of erythema surrounds the attachment point, indicating irritation.
- Swelling: the tissue around the tick may appear raised; in severe cases, the entire ear lobe can become puffy.
- Hair loss: small areas of hair may be absent directly beneath the tick, caused by the parasite’s mouthparts.
- Tick morphology: the head (capitulum) projects forward, while the legs are visible as tiny, dark legs extending from the sides of the body.
- Fluid leakage: a clear or slightly amber fluid may exude from the attachment site, especially if the tick is feeding aggressively.
In addition to the visible tick, secondary signs can develop:
- Scabbing or crust formation: after the tick detaches, a small scab often remains at the bite site.
- Secondary infection: pus or increased warmth may indicate bacterial involvement, requiring medical attention.
The combination of an engorged parasite, surrounding erythema, tissue edema, and possible exudate provides a reliable visual profile for an ear affected by a tick.