How to search for a tick on the body? - briefly
Examine the entire body, focusing on warm, concealed areas such as the scalp, armpits, groin, and behind the knees, using a fine‑toothed comb or a mirror for hard‑to‑see spots. Remove any attached tick with tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily upward.
How to search for a tick on the body? - in detail
A thorough inspection after outdoor activities reduces the risk of unnoticed ectoparasites. The process begins with adequate lighting; a bright lamp or daylight provides the clearest view. A full‑length mirror enables self‑examination of the back, while a handheld mirror assists with hard‑to‑reach areas. Optional magnifying lenses enhance detection of small specimens.
Systematic examination covers the following regions:
- scalp and hairline, including behind the ears
- neck, especially the posterior surface
- underarms and inner elbows
- groin and genital area
- abdomen, focusing on skin folds
- behind the knees and between the thighs
- feet, particularly the interdigital spaces
The inspection proceeds from head to toe, using both visual scanning and tactile assessment. Lightly run fingertips over the skin; a raised, firm bump may indicate a feeding tick. In hair, a fine‑toothed comb can separate strands and reveal attached parasites.
If a specimen is found, grasp it with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the bite site with antiseptic after removal. Re‑examine the body after a short interval to ensure no additional ticks remain.