How to Remove Leeches After Swimming

Medical science has found many uses for the leech. These range from anti-coagulants and anesthetics during surgery to treating black eyes. These uses do not make the leech seem any less slimy and disgusting when it attaches to your skin while swimming. Although the leech does not generally carry diseases and is typically not harmful to humans, you will likely want to remove it as quickly as possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate the smaller end of the leech, and use your fingernail to push the sucker off your skin sideways. Apply firm pressure, but do not use jerky movements. This prevents leaving part of the sucker in your skin.

• 2

  Move to the second sucker, at the other end. You need to move quickly, before it reattaches itself on the other end. Flick your finger to dislodge it, and get it away from your skin as quickly as possible.

• 3

  Clean the wound thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide or other disinfectant.