How to feel for a tick? - briefly
Examine the body by gently running your fingertips over hairless regions, feeling for a firm, raised bump the size of a pea. If a tick is detected, grasp it with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure.
How to feel for a tick? - in detail
Inspect the skin immediately after outdoor activity, focusing on areas where ticks commonly attach: scalp, behind ears, neck, armpits, groin, behind knees, and under the waistline. Use a bright light or a magnifying glass to improve visibility.
Run gloved fingers over the surface of the skin, feeling for a small, firm, dome‑shaped object that does not move with the surrounding hair. A live tick will feel slightly raised and may be anchored by its mouthparts, creating a subtle “bump” that can be distinguished from a hair knot or skin irritation.
If visual confirmation is difficult, employ a fine‑tooth comb or a soft brush. Gently pull the comb through the hair or across the skin; the comb’s teeth will catch the tick’s body, allowing you to feel its presence more clearly.
When a tick is detected, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the abdomen. After removal, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic and store the tick in a sealed container for later identification if needed.
Repeat the inspection after each exposure to tick‑infested environments, and perform a secondary check the following morning, as ticks may have attached after the initial examination. Regular self‑examination reduces the risk of disease transmission by ensuring early detection and prompt removal.