How to Check for Ticks on Humans

Ticks are tiny bloodsuckers that can attach themselves to your skin for several weeks. They are well-known carriers of Lyme disease, an infectious bacterial condition that if left untreated can cause neurological problems. It is important that you remain vigilant if you live in an area known for ticks, or you have recently visited a heavily wooded area. Ticks thrive in warm weather, so be extra cautious in the summer. Ticks bite humans in warm, discrete areas so you must be thorough when checking yourself or others for ticks.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Full-length mirror
• Wide-tooth comb
• Tweezers

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove all clothing once inside and immediately place everything in the washing machine. Wash the garments with hot water and detergent. Dry on high heat.

• 2

  Shower as soon as possible.

• 3

  Dry the body. If possible stand in front of a full-length mirror -- this will help you to better examine the body. Ticks commonly bite along the hairline, behind the neck, on the scalp, behind the knees, in the navel, between fingers, in armpits, in ears, and in the groin.

• 4

  Separate hair into sections using a wide-tooth comb and inspect the scalp. Ticks are small and black. Pay close attention as you search along the hair line.

• 5

  Check in and around the ears.

• 6

  Spread the fingers apart and check the skin between the fingers.

• 7

  Lift up the arms, and look for any signs of ticks under the arm and in the armpit.

• 8

  Examine the stomach and belly button.

• 9

  Look at the legs, paying close attention to the area behind the knees. Check the groin area.

• 10

  Spread the toes and examine the skin between the toes.

• 11

  Scan the entire body, searching for a tiny black bump. If you encounter a tick do not panic. Remove it cautiously with tweezers.