Itchy Spot With a Black Dot on My Ankle: Could It Be a Tick Bite?

Thank you for your question. We're a dog health site, so we can't advise on your own health, but here is the general guidance the CDC gives after a possible tick bite.

First, look closely at the black dot with good light and a magnifying glass. If it's a tick that is still attached, remove it right away with fine-tipped tweezers: grip it as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure, without twisting or crushing it. Then clean the area and your hands. If a small part stays in the skin, the skin will usually push it out as it heals.

Over the next several weeks, watch for a rash or a fever. A red rash that slowly expands can be an early sign of Lyme disease, and it usually appears 3 to 30 days after a bite. If you notice a rash or fever, see your doctor and tell them about the bite, when it happened and where you were.

If you have pets, check them for ticks too. Our page of tick bite pictures shows what ticks and bites look like, and our guide to removing ticks from dogs covers checking your dog.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own doctor's advice.