What does the site where a tick attached look like? - briefly
The attachment site usually presents as a small, raised erythematous spot with a tiny central punctum marking the tick’s mouthparts; a faint halo of redness may surround it. If the tick stays attached, the lesion can enlarge and become itchy or tender.
What does the site where a tick attached look like? - in detail
The area where a tick has fed typically presents as a small, round or oval lesion at the point of attachment. The skin around the puncture may be slightly raised and often displays a red or pink hue. Central to the lesion, a tiny punctum may be visible, sometimes with a faint, dark spot representing the tick’s mouthparts. In many cases, the surrounding erythema is uniform, but it can also form a target‑shaped pattern with a darker central zone surrounded by a lighter ring.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Diameter ranging from a few millimeters up to about 1 cm, depending on the tick’s size and feeding duration.
- Edge that may be smooth or slightly indented where the mouthparts entered the skin.
- Color variation from light pink to deep crimson; in early stages, the lesion may be barely noticeable.
- Possible central scab or crust if the tick was removed and the puncture sealed.
- Occasionally, a “bull’s‑eye” rash (erythema migrans) appears days after attachment, indicating potential infection with Borrelia burgdorferi.
Temporal changes are common. Immediately after removal, the site may be minimally inflamed. Within 24–48 hours, swelling and redness can increase, reaching peak intensity around the third day. If an infection develops, the lesion may expand, develop a raised border, or become painful. In contrast, a healthy bite often resolves within a week without further enlargement.
When evaluating the site, consider the following observations:
- Presence of a central punctum or scar.
- Size and symmetry of the erythema.
- Development of a target pattern or expanding border.
- Signs of secondary infection: pus, warmth, increasing pain.
- Systemic symptoms accompanying the lesion, such as fever, headache, or joint aches.
Accurate identification of these features enables timely medical assessment and appropriate treatment.