Where to look for ticks on the body? - briefly
Inspect the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, the groin, behind the knees, the waistline, and between the fingers and toes.
Where to look for ticks on the body? - in detail
Ticks tend to attach in warm, protected regions where skin folds or hair is dense. Inspecting these zones promptly reduces the risk of disease transmission.
- Scalp, especially near the hairline and behind the ears
- Neck, including the back of the neck and under the jawline
- Axillary folds (armpits)
- Inguinal area (groin) and inner thighs
- Behind the knees and the popliteal fossa
- Abdomen, particularly around the waistline and under the breast tissue
- Genital region and perineum
Additional sites often overlooked:
- Between fingers and toes, particularly in children who play in grass
- Under the nails and around cuticles
- Around the belly button and umbilical region
- In the anal area and perianal skin
Effective examination:
- Remove clothing and conduct a thorough visual sweep, using a hand‑held mirror for hard‑to‑see spots.
- Part hair with fingers or a comb to expose the scalp and body hair.
- Feel for small, raised bumps; ticks may be as tiny as a grain of sand when unfed.
- Use a fine‑toothed comb or a tick‑removal tool to lift any specimen without crushing it.
Post‑removal protocol: