Been outdoors recently? Whether you were on a trail, in the garden or just walking the dog, it’s worth checking yourself for ticks.
Ticks are small and easy to miss. And if they stay attached long enough, they can spread diseases like Lyme disease.
“Ticks tend to attach in areas where the skin is warm, moist or harder to see,” says Syed Hussain, MD, medical director at Hartford HealthCare Urgent Care. “That’s why it’s important to do a thorough check after spending time outdoors.”
Not sure where to start when you’re doing a tick check? Here are the most common places for ticks to hide.
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Where should I check for ticks?
- Scalp and hairline: Ticks can hide in your hair and be hard to spot. Run your fingers along your scalp and use a mirror or ask for help if needed.
- Behind your ears: This is an easy area to overlook. Be sure to check both behind and around your ears carefully.
- Under your arms: Warm, protected areas like your underarms are a common hiding spot. Check both sides closely.
- Around your waistline: Ticks often latch on where clothing fits tightly, like waistbands. Pay extra attention after wearing fitted clothing.
- Behind your knees: The backs of your knees are warm and slightly hidden, making them an ideal place for ticks. Bend your knees to get a better look.
- Between your legs: Skin folds, including the groin area, are another common spot.
- Ankles and feet: Ticks often start low and move upward. Check around your socks, between your toes and along your heels.
- Your clothes: Ticks don’t always attach right away. Toss clothing in the dryer on high heat to kill any that may still be lingering.
- Kids and pets: Ticks can hitch a ride on children and animals. Check them carefully, especially around the scalp and ears.
It might seem like a hassle now, but a thorough tick check can save you from a big health risk later.
> Related: 3 Things to Do If You Have a Tick
This is how to remove a tick – safely
Finding a tick can be unsettling, but it usually isn’t a reason to panic. The sooner you remove it, the lower your risk of infection.
“Ticks typically need to be attached for several hours to transmit disease,” Dr. Hussain says. “So if you check yourself right after being outdoors, you can often catch them in time.”
The key is to use a pair of tweezers and grab the tick close to your skin before pulling up steadily.
“Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick’s body, which can cause parts of the tick to break off or increase your chance of infection,” Dr. Hussain notes.
Once removed, clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic. If the area around the bite looks irritated, it might be worth taking a photo so you can monitor any changes if symptoms begin to develop.
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Keep an eye on your symptoms
After you’ve gotten rid of the tick, you’ll still want to monitor symptoms in the days or weeks that follow.
“Ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease, but symptoms don’t always appear right away,” Dr. Hussain says. “That’s why monitoring for early warning signs is so important.”
People often expect to see the signature bullseye rash ahead of a Lyme infection, but not everyone who gets Lyme develops that rash. In many cases, symptoms can start out like any mild illness.
“Fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches or joint pain are all common symptoms,” Dr. Hussain explains. “Because these can resemble the flu, people don’t always connect them to a recent tick bite.”
If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress and lead to more serious issues, including joint swelling, nerve problems or even heart complications.
> Related: 4 Symptoms of Lyme Disease You Should Know
Make sure you know what you’re dealing with
While checking for ticks is important, it also helps to know what you’re looking for.
“Different types of ticks live in different environments and carry different diseases,” says Dr. Hussain. “But regardless of the type, early detection and removal are what matter most.”
“A tick doesn’t have to be large to transmit disease,” Dr. Hussain notes. “That’s why a full-body tick check after outdoor activity is so important.”
