Where to look for a tick on a person? - briefly
Examine the scalp, behind the ears, neck, armpits, groin, behind the knees, and the waistline, since ticks attach to concealed, warm skin folds. These areas are the most common sites for hidden attachment.
Where to look for a tick on a person? - in detail
Ticks attach to skin in warm, moist, and concealed areas. A systematic visual and tactile examination reduces the risk of missed infestations.
- Scalp, especially behind the ears and at the hairline
- Neck and behind the jawline
- Underarms and the area around the collarbone
- Groin, including the inner thigh and genital region
- Waistline, around the belt or clothing seams
- Behind the knees and elbows
- Under the breasts and along the abdomen folds
- Between the toes and on the feet, particularly in sock lines
These locations provide the temperature and humidity ticks prefer, while also offering limited visibility.
Inspection should be performed under bright light. Use a handheld mirror or enlist a second person to view hard‑to‑reach spots. Part hair or clothing, then run fingertips over the skin to feel for small, raised bumps. If a tick is found, grasp it with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. After removal, examine the bite site for any remaining mouthparts; a retained fragment can cause local irritation or infection.
Less common sites include the palms, soles, face (especially around the eyes and nose), and the back of the neck. Although rare, ticks may attach there when clothing or hair provides cover.
A thorough check after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy environments, ensures early detection and minimizes the chance of disease transmission.