Leeches live in shrubs, grasses and in freshwater areas. Leeches stick to warm-blooded creatures, including humans. When sucking blood, leeches can grow to 10 times their normal size. If you find leeches on your body, don't panic because leeches don't spread disease or cause injury. The leech will break free after about 20 minutes of sucking your blood, but you can also release the small animal using just your fingernail.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Releasing the Leech
Step 1. Find the head and suckers
The head of the leech has a pointed part while the sucker is the part that sticks to your skin. If you find the leech on one of your arms, torso or other easily accessible area, you can remove it yourself. If not, then you need someone else to help you let go.
- If you find one leech, you will need to examine the entire body to check for other leeches. The leech injects an anesthetic into your skin as it sucks blood, so you won't feel the bite. You may not be able to feel the presence of other leeches in other parts of your body.
- Remember that leeches are not poisonous and cannot spread disease. Therefore, do not panic when you find leeches on your body. Leeches are usually easy to remove and will not cause long-term injury.
Step 2. Slide your fingernail under the sucker
Use one hand to gently pull the skin near the sucker. Then, place your other hand next to the leech and slide one of your fingernails under the sucker. Release the leech because it will soon try to attach itself again.
- Do not tug at the leech because the suckers will remain in your body.
- If you don't want to use your fingernail to remove the leech, then you can use the tip of a credit card, a sturdy piece of paper or another thin object.
Step 3. Treat any open wounds
When the leech sucks blood, it injects an anticoagulant to prevent the blood from clotting before it refills. When you remove the leech, your skin may bleed for several hours before the anticoagulant is removed from your circulatory system. Be prepared to treat deep wounds after removing the leech. Clean the open wound with rubbing alcohol or other cleaning mixture for first aid. Cover it with a bandage to protect it.
- You may need to change the bandage several times as the bleeding will stop after some time.
- It is important to treat any open wounds, especially when you are exploring the forest. Open wounds are easier to become infected in a forest environment.
- The wound will itch during the healing process.
Step 4. Consider letting the leech finish sucking and releasing on its own
An easy way to get rid of a leech is to let it escape on its own. Leeches take 20 minutes to finish sucking blood. After that, the leech will be released from your skin. Leeches will not make you short of blood. Also, since leeches don't spread disease, no harm is done when you decide to let the leech go off on its own.
Medicinal practices carried out with leeches have been carried out for thousands of years. "Leech therapy" continues to be considered medically important. The FDA has approved the use of leeches to help with blood circulation problems and to reconnect damaged tissue
Step 5. Avoid releasing leeches with other media
You may have heard of how to get rid of a leech by sprinkling salt on it, burning it, spraying it with an exterminator or drowning it in shampoo. Although this method can make the leech release its bite from the skin, but the vomit of blood will return to the wound. This can lead to infection. Therefore, do it a healthier way by using your fingernail or other tip of the object under the sucker.
Part 2 of 3: Overcoming the Hard-to-Release Leech
Step 1. Notice how deep the leech bites
Leeches often enter holes in the body such as the nostrils, ear holes and mouth. This can happen especially when you are swimming in areas with lots of leeches. When this happens, it will be difficult to reach and remove the leech with simple methods. Do your best to let it go before trying other alternatives.
- Find someone who can help you slip something under the sucker. However, be careful not to stab yourself. If you can't see the sucker, don't use this method.
- You can choose to let the leech finish sucking on and off on its own, but the leech will cause too much trouble in a small space.
Step 2. Use alcohol if the leech is in your mouth
If the leech is stuck in your mouth, you can remove it by gargling with vodka or other strong alcohol. Gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Check if the leech has gone or not.
- If you don't have alcohol, then you can use hydrogen peroxide.
- If the leech is still attached even after gargling, then you need to contact a doctor.
Step 3. Prick the leech if it gets bigger
If you are in a remote area and cannot access a doctor quickly, you will need to prick the leech. You may want to remove it by another method, but if the leech is in a difficult area, such as the nostrils, then you will need to prick the leech before it interferes with your breathing. Use a sharp knife to pierce the skin of the leech. Although not very smooth, this method can make the leech to die so that it is easier for you to remove the sucker.
- Remove the leech and then clean the area of your body.
- If signs of infection appear, contact your doctor immediately.
Step 4. If the leech cannot be removed, contact a doctor immediately
If the leech is deep inside the nose, in the ear or in other inaccessible places, call a doctor to get it removed. The doctor will use certain tools to remove the leech without injuring you.
Step 5. Treat immediately if signs of allergy appear
Few people have an allergy to leeches, but it really does exist. If you feel dizzy, have a rash, shortness of breath or swelling, take an antihistamine (such as Benadryl) and call your doctor immediately.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Leeches from Sticking to the Skin
Step 1. Be careful when you are in an area that has a lot of leeches
Leeches are very common in forests in Africa and Asia. These animals can also be found in freshwater lakes and ponds around the world. If you are traveling to a place where leeches are present, bring the proper equipment to minimize the chance of being bitten by a leech.
- Land leeches generally live in muddy and shady areas in the forest. If you stand somewhere for a long time, the leeches will start aiming at you. Avoid touching trees and plants and check your body for attached leeches.
- Water leeches are attracted to movement, so you are at greater risk when swimming and splashing water.
Step 2. Wear long sleeves and long pants
Leeches are attracted to the exposed skin of warm-blooded animals. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants can protect you from leeches, although you may find leeches through the fabric. If you are concerned about being bitten by a leech, wear gloves and a head covering so that no skin is exposed.
- Wear closed shoes instead of sandals.
- If you're planning a longer jungle hike, buy a pair of leech-resistant socks.
Step 3. Use insect repellent
While this can't guarantee a leech bite, these socks can reduce your chances of being bitten. Spray skin and clothing with insect repellent. Reapply every few hours while in the leech area. Here are some other ways to get rid of leeches:
- Put the tobacco in the sock. Leeches are said to dislike the smell of tobacco.
- Rub soap or detergent on your hands and clothes.
Tips
- To prevent being bitten by leeches at the start of the trip, wear closed shoes and elevated socks. In addition, by spraying insect repellent on your body, the leeches will not 'feel' your presence near them. Therefore, the chance of being bitten by a leech is reduced.
- Leeches will die when sprinkled with salt or when tightly wrapped in a paper towel. The salt and dry surface of the tissue can make the leeches lose moisture, which can cause them to wrinkle.
- Check the legs or other body parts that leeches can bite, so you can find them before they suck too much blood.
- If leeches do bite you, try to remember that leeches are weak creatures that need to eat.
Warning
- Leeches can also stick to pets such as dogs and cats. Leeches can also stick to the eyes of short animals. If this happens, DO NOT remove or rub it. DO NOT sprinkle salt on his body either. Wait for the leech to release. The animal's eyes will swell for a day or two, but that should be fine. If not, check with the vet.
- Do not pull or tug at the leech.
- Do not use shampoo, salt or insect repellent on the leech's body when it is attached to our body, because the leech can vomit blood onto the exposed skin and cause infection.
- If many large leeches bite you, call your doctor immediately.
