What does an embedded tick in the ear look like? - briefly
An embedded tick in the ear appears as a small, dark, oval or round swelling, often slightly raised with a visible central puncture where its mouthparts are anchored. When engorged, it takes on a glossy, swollen appearance that resembles a tiny blood‑filled sac.
What does an embedded tick in the ear look like? - in detail
An attached tick in the ear canal appears as a small, oval to slightly elongated organism, typically ranging from 2 mm (unfed larva) to 10 mm (engorged adult). The dorsal surface is covered by a hard shield called the scutum, which is light brown to reddish‑brown in an unfed tick and becomes darker, stretched, and more translucent as the tick fills with blood. The body is divided into two main sections: the anterior capitulum, where the mouthparts protrude, and the posterior idiosoma, which enlarges during feeding.
Key visual cues include:
- Mouthparts: A pair of short, barbed chelicerae and a longer, hooked hypostome that can be seen protruding from the skin of the ear. The hypostome may appear as a tiny pin‑like structure, often hidden beneath the scutum but occasionally visible as a dark line.
- Legs: Eight short legs are arranged in four pairs. In an unfed tick they are clearly defined and brown; after feeding, they become flattened against the body and may be difficult to discern.
- Color change: Unfed ticks are pale tan or gray; as they engorge, the body becomes a deep reddish‑brown, sometimes translucent, revealing the internal blood meal.
- Swelling of surrounding tissue: The ear canal may show localized erythema, edema, or a small lump where the tick’s abdomen presses against the skin. The skin around the attachment point can be raised, forming a tiny, firm papule.
- Movement: While attached, the tick’s legs exhibit limited motion; visible tremors or slight shifting may be observable through the ear’s narrow opening.
If the tick is partially embedded, only the capitulum may be visible, with the bulk of the body hidden beneath the ear’s soft tissue. In such cases, the tick’s outline can appear as a dark, rounded mass just behind the ear canal entrance, often mistaken for a small bump or wax buildup. Recognizing these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.