What is a tick bite called? - briefly
The medical term for a bite from a tick is a tick attachment, often described as a tick bite lesion.
What is a tick bite called? - in detail
A bite from a tick is medically described as a tick attachment site. In clinical documentation the term “tick bite lesion” is often used to denote the localized skin area where the arthropod has pierced the epidermis and begun to feed. The broader category for such injuries is “arthropod bite,” which includes insects, mites, and ticks.
Key terminology:
- Tick attachment site – the point of contact where the tick’s mouthparts embed in the skin.
- Tick bite lesion – the visible skin change, typically a small papule or puncture, that may develop erythema.
- Arthropod bite – the generic label for injuries caused by insects, arachnids, and related organisms.
When a tick remains attached for several days, the feeding process creates a feeding cavity that can enlarge, potentially leading to secondary signs such as a bull’s‑eye rash (erythema migrans) in cases of Lyme disease. Documentation of the bite should include the location, duration of attachment, and any emerging symptoms to guide diagnosis and treatment.