What does skin with a subcutaneous tick on the face look like? - briefly
The area appears as a firm, slightly reddened nodule under the skin, often with a tiny central opening where the tick’s mouthparts are embedded. It may feel tender or itchy and can be difficult to see without close inspection.
What does skin with a subcutaneous tick on the face look like? - in detail
A subcutaneous tick embedded in facial tissue presents as a localized, raised nodule. The lesion is typically firm to the touch, measuring 2‑10 mm in diameter depending on the tick’s developmental stage and degree of engorgement. The overlying epidermis may appear slightly erythematous, with a faint pink or reddish hue that fades toward the periphery. Central to the nodule, a tiny puncture point can be seen where the tick’s mouthparts penetrate the skin; this opening often measures less than 1 mm and may be surrounded by a thin ring of inflammation.
When the parasite is partially fed, the swelling enlarges and the surface becomes more taut. The skin may exhibit a subtle sheen due to the tick’s cuticle, and the surrounding area can feel warm compared to adjacent tissue. In some cases, a faint, dark line radiates from the puncture site, representing the tick’s feeding canal. The nodule’s consistency can shift from hard to softer as the tick fills with blood, producing a palpable, fluid‑filled feel.
Symptoms frequently accompany the visual signs. Patients report localized itching, a mild throbbing sensation, or occasional sharp pain when pressure is applied. The area may be slightly tender, but systemic signs such as fever are uncommon unless secondary infection occurs.
Key visual characteristics:
- Raised, well‑defined bump on the face
- Slight redness of the skin surface
- Visible tiny entry point at the center
- Possible dark line indicating the feeding tube
- Variable firmness correlating with tick engorgement
Recognition of these features enables prompt identification and appropriate removal of the parasite, reducing the risk of complications.