What Does a Tick Bite Look Like?

Ticks are tiny creatures that can attach to the skin of humans and other animals, usually to get a meal of blood. In the process, bites can be inflicted on humans, making the skin red and swollen around the bite. This can lead to an uncomfortable itchy feeling and a fear that a tick-borne illness might be transferred. It’s important to understand how to identify a tick bite and what other symptoms could follow.

Types of Ticks

Ticks that cause tick bites come in a variety of sizes and colors and are found in many climates around the world, both in the rural and urban environment. Different types of ticks include the Blacklegged Tick, commonly found in the Northeastern United States, the Western Blacklegged Tick, which can be found in Northwestern states and the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, prevalent in the plains states.

Appearance of Bite

The physical appearance of a tick bite can vary depending on the type of tick, the location of the bite and the host’s individual skin type. Generally, tick bites appear as a red swollen bump on the skin and will be accompanied by itching and minor pain. The rash can range from a small spot no larger than a pea to a large rash that covers multiple inches. In some cases, a central red dot can surround the region, which is the feeding puncture wound made by the tick.

Possible Infection

Although not all tick bites will cause an infection, it’s important to monitor any bite closely in the following weeks. Possible signs of infection can include headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and fever. If you notice any sign of infection, it’s important to visit your doctor as quickly as possible.

Tick bites can be a cause for concern, but by understanding the appearance of tick bites, their locations and the potential for an infection, anyone bitten by a tick should have the information they need to keep themselves safe and healthy.