How does Victoria look when infested with ticks? - briefly
She is covered in numerous dark, engorged ticks attached primarily to the neck, scalp, and limbs, creating visible bumps. The infestation gives her a visibly unkempt and irritated appearance.
How does Victoria look when infested with ticks? - in detail
Victoria’s body exhibits a dense array of tiny, dark arachnids attached to the skin. Each parasite appears as a rounded, brown‑black speck, often clustered in groups rather than isolated. In areas where the skin is thin—such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin—ticks are especially visible, their bodies slightly raised above the surface.
The surrounding skin shows localized erythema, ranging from faint pink to vivid red, depending on the degree of irritation. Small, raised papules form around attachment sites; these may become swollen if the tick feeds for several hours. In cases of heavy infestation, the skin can develop a mottled pattern, with patches of discoloration where multiple ticks have fed simultaneously.
Visible signs of tick presence include:
- Engorged ticks: swollen, lighter‑colored bodies that expand as they fill with blood.
- Unengorged ticks: smaller, darker, more compact forms.
- Tick excrement: tiny, dark stains around the attachment points, often resembling specks of dirt.
- Secondary lesions: scratches or abrasions caused by scratching, which may bleed or ooze.
The overall appearance is one of a heavily burdened host: numerous parasites dotting the surface, accompanied by inflammation, occasional crusting, and a general sense of discomfort evident in the posture and movement. This visual profile provides clear evidence of a tick infestation.