What is the subcutaneous tick on a human face called? - briefly
The lesion is identified as an embedded tick, medically described as a tick nodule or granuloma. It presents as a subcutaneous mass on the facial skin after the tick attaches.
What is the subcutaneous tick on a human face called? - in detail
The condition in which a tick remains beneath the skin of the face is referred to as an «subcutaneous tick». It presents as a small, firm nodule often surrounded by mild erythema. The organism may be a larva, nymph, or adult of Ixodes, Dermacentor, or Rhipicephalus species, depending on geographic exposure.
Clinical characteristics include:
- palpable, rounded mass under the dermis;
- occasional localized itching or tenderness;
- absence of systemic signs unless infection develops.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of the nodule, dermatoscopic evaluation, and, when necessary, ultrasound to confirm the presence of the arthropod. Removal should be performed with fine‑point forceps, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible to avoid rupture of the mouthparts. After extraction, the site is cleaned with antiseptic solution and monitored for secondary infection.
Potential complications:
- bacterial infection (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes);
- transmission of tick‑borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) or Anaplasma phagocytophilum;
- granulomatous reaction if the tick is not fully removed, leading to a persistent subdermal nodule.
Management of infection includes appropriate antibiotics based on culture results or empiric therapy for suspected tick‑borne disease. Follow‑up examinations ensure complete resolution and identify any delayed hypersensitivity or scarring.
Preventive measures: