A tick bite typically looks like a small, red bump or a tiny, itchy spot on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite. The bite site may appear as a tiny, deep red circle with a lighter red patch around the edges, and sometimes a dark spot in the center if the tick is still attached

. The bite itself usually does not hurt and may or may not be itchy

. Ticks attach by burrowing their mouthparts into the skin, often secreting a cement-like substance to stay firmly in place, so the tick may still be visible on the skin at the bite site

. The bite area may be flat or slightly raised and can sometimes look like a small sore or hard bump

. In some cases, especially if the tick is infected, a characteristic rash called erythema migrans may develop. This rash often looks like a bull’s-eye: a red ring expanding outward with a clear center. However, this rash does not appear in all cases of tick bites or Lyme disease

. Tick bites are often found in warm, moist, or hairy areas of the body, such as the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin, or behind the knees

. Summary of what a tick bite looks like:

• Small red bump or tiny red circle with lighter edges
• May have a dark spot if the tick is still attached
• Usually painless and may be itchy
• Possible bull’s-eye rash if infected with Lyme disease
• Often found in warm, moist, or hairy body areas

If you find a tick attached, it is important to remove it promptly and carefully

. This description is based on expert sources including Mayo Clinic, Prevention, WebMD, and dermatology specialists