What does the site of a tick bite look like? - briefly
A tick bite usually presents as a small pink‑to‑red papule with a central puncture mark where the mouthparts were attached; the spot may be flat or mildly raised and is often painless.
What does the site of a tick bite look like? - in detail
A tick bite typically leaves a small, circular puncture at the point of attachment. The central mark may be a pinpoint or a tiny raised papule, often less than 5 mm in diameter. Surrounding this core, the skin frequently shows:
- A faint erythema that can be uniform or slightly raised.
- Mild swelling that may extend a few millimeters beyond the puncture.
- Occasionally a crust or scab if the mouthparts detach.
Within the first 24 hours, the lesion is usually painless and may go unnoticed. By the second or third day, the surrounding area can become more pronounced, exhibiting:
- A larger erythematous halo, sometimes up to 1 cm in radius.
- Slight warmth or tenderness when pressure is applied.
- Minor itching or a tingling sensation.
If the tick transmits Borrelia burgdorferi, the hallmark erythema migrans appears days to weeks later. This rash characteristically:
- Expands outward while the central area clears, creating a “target” or “bull’s‑eye” pattern.
- Can reach 5 cm or more in diameter.
- May be flat or slightly raised at the edges, often without itching or pain.
Other possible developments include:
- Localized infection: increased redness, pus, or ulceration, indicating bacterial invasion.
- Necrosis: a darkened, sometimes blackened area suggesting tissue death, often associated with certain tick‑borne pathogens.
- Persistent induration: a firm, raised nodule that remains after the puncture heals, sometimes reflecting a hypersensitivity reaction.
Observation of the bite site over time is essential. Any rapid expansion, persistent ulceration, or systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or joint pain warrants immediate medical evaluation.