Leeches are found in moist undergrowth and freshwater areas.They attach themselves to warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can expand to 10 times their normal size as they fill themselves up with blood.If you find a leech on your body, don't be alarmed, since they do not spread disease or cause pain.The little sucker will drop off on its own after about 20 minutes, but you can remove it using nothing but your fingernails.
Step 1: Look at its head and sucker.
The head and sucker are the parts of the leech that attach to your skin.If the leech is on one of your arms, legs, torso, or other easily accessible area, you should be able to remove it yourself.Someone else will help you take it off.You should check your entire body if you find a leech.Leeches inject an anesthetic into their skin to make their bites painless.You may not be able to feel the presence of other people.When you find a leech, remember that they are not poisonous and don't carry diseases.Leeches are easy to remove and don't cause long-term harm.
Step 2: Put your hand under the sucker.
Use one hand to gently pull the skin near the sucker taught, then place your other hand next to the leech and slide one of your fingernails underneath it.The leech will try to save itself, so flick it off right away.Since the sucker of the leech is attached to your body, don't yank it off.You can use the edge of a credit card, a sturdy piece of paper or any other thin object if you don't want to use your fingernails.
Step 3: The open wound needs to be treated.
Before they can get their fill, leeches inject an anti-coagulant to prevent the blood from clotting.It can take several hours or even days for a leech to bleed after you remove it.You should be prepared for the sight of bleeding when you take the leech off.Apply a bandage to protect the wound and cleanse it with rubbing alcohol or a first aid solution.Since the bleeding might take a while to stop, you should change the bandage frequently.If you're hiking in a jungle, it's important to treat the area like an open wound.In jungle environments open wounds are more likely to get infections.The wound will itch while it heals.
Step 4: Let the leeches fill up and drop off.
An easy way to get rid of a leech is to let it drop off on its own.It takes 20 minutes for a leech to fill up, and then it will fall off your skin.Since Leeches don't spread disease, there's no harm in letting them fall without intervening.The practice of letting leeches feed on human blood has been done for thousands of years.The FDA approved the use of leeches to aid in tissue reattachment.
Step 5: Don't remove leaches by any other means.
You may have heard that you can kill a leech by pouring salt on it, burning it or spraying it with repellant.These techniques might cause the leech to fall off, but it won't do so until it vomits back into the wound.This can lead to bad infections if you use a straightedge to get under the sucker.
Step 6: The leech has burrowed.
The nostrils, ear canals and mouth are some of the places where leeches can find their way.It's common when you're swimming with leeches.It can be difficult to get to the sucker when this happens.It's best to remove it the easy way.Someone can help you slide something under the sucker.Don't poke yourself, though.If you can't see the sucker, do not use this method.You can try to let the leech fall off, but it might get too big and cause problems if it's inside a tiny space.
Step 7: If you have alcohol in your mouth, use it.
If the leech is attached to your mouth, you can cause it to fall off by rinsing it with strong alcohol.For 30 seconds, rinse it around your mouth.If the leech isn't there, check to see if it's gone.You can use hydrogen peroxide if you don't have alcohol.You need to seek medical attention if the leech is still there after you spit.
Step 8: If the leech is getting too big, Puncture it.
If you don't have access to a doctor in a remote area, you might need to puncture the leech.It might be possible to remove it via another method, but if it's in a tricky place like your nostril, you might need to pop the leech.You can pop through the skin with a sharp knife.You should have an easier time getting to the sucker if the leech dies.Immediately wash the area after removing the leech's body.Seek medical attention if you see signs of an illness.
Step 9: If it can't be removed, get medical attention.
Go to the doctor if you have a leech in your nose, ear canal, or another place that is hard to reach.The doctor can use instruments to remove the leech without hurting you.
Step 10: If you show signs of an allergy, you should be treated immediately.
Few people are allergic to animals.If you experience a rash, dizziness, or other symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Step 11: It's a good idea to be careful when you're in areas with leeches.
Land leeches are common in the jungles of Africa and Asia, and they're also found in freshwater lakes and ponds across the world.It's a good idea to bring the right gear with you to make sure you don't get bitten on the trip.There are muddy and leafy areas in the jungle.They will start crawling toward you if you are in one place long enough.It's a good idea to avoid touching trees and plants.Water leeches like movement so splashing around and swimming could put you at greater risk.
Step 12: Wear long sleeves and pants.
Leeches like warm-blooded animals.You can protect yourself from getting bitten by wearing long sleeves and pants.If you're worried about getting bitten, wear gloves and a head covering.Instead of sandals, wear close-toed shoes.It's worth investing in a pair of socks if you're going to be in the jungle for a long time.
Step 13: It's a good idea to use insect repellent.
This isn't a perfect measure for avoiding leeches, but it will prevent them from piling on.If you're in a leech-infested area, spray your skin and clothes with a standard insect deterrent and apply it every few hours.You can try to repel them by putting tobacco in your socks.leeches don't like the smell.Rub soap or detergent on your clothes.