What does erythema look like after a tick bite? - briefly
The bite site usually shows a red, expanding patch that can be circular or oval, sometimes forming a target‑shaped lesion with a lighter center. This erythema often appears within a few days and may be uniform or display concentric rings.
What does erythema look like after a tick bite? - in detail
Erythema that develops after a tick attachment typically presents as a localized reddening of the skin. The lesion is often round or oval, with a diameter ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the duration of attachment and individual reaction. The center may be lighter in color, creating a target‑like appearance, especially in cases of early Lyme disease where the classic “bull’s‑eye” pattern emerges. In many patients the border is sharply defined, while in others it blends gradually into surrounding tissue.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Color: pink to deep red; occasional dusky or purplish hue if inflammation is pronounced.
- Texture: smooth, without raised edges; the skin surface remains intact, though occasional mild swelling may be felt.
- Symmetry: often symmetrical around the bite site; asymmetry may suggest secondary infection or irritation.
- Evolution: may expand slowly over days, reaching up to 5 cm or more, then stabilize or fade if untreated.
Accompanying signs can involve mild itching, warmth, or a faint sensation of pressure. Absence of pus, ulceration, or necrosis typically indicates a non‑infected inflammatory response. Persistent enlargement, central clearing, or the emergence of systemic symptoms (fever, headache, joint pain) warrants medical evaluation for possible tick‑borne disease.