Leeches live in the undergrowth, in damp grass and in areas of fresh water. They attach themselves to warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can increase in volume up to 10 times when filled with blood. If you find a leech attached to the body, don't panic, as it does not spread disease and cause no pain. If you can bear the idea of letting it fill with blood, after about 20 minutes it falls on its own and leaves the body, but you can also remove the small suction cup by simply using your fingernail.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove the Leeches
Step 1. Locate the head and the suction cup
The head is the narrowest part of the leech and the sucker is the point where it attaches to its host's skin. If this invertebrate is on an arm, leg, torso, or other easily accessible area of the body, you should be able to remove it yourself. If not, you will need someone else's help to be able to remove it.
- If you find one, you should inspect the entire body for other specimens. Leeches inject an anesthetic substance into the skin when they sink their teeth into it, so their bites are painless. You may therefore not notice the presence of other leeches on your body.
- Remember that these animals are not poisonous and do not carry disease, so don't panic when you find one. They are usually quite easy to remove and cause no long-term damage.
Step 2. Slide your nail under the suction cup
With one hand, gently pull the skin close to the suction cup, then place the other hand next to the leech and slide a fingernail under the suction cup. The leech will immediately begin trying to reattach itself to the skin, so take it off right away.
- Do not yank or tear it, as this will keep the suction cup attached to the body.
- If you are reluctant to use your fingernail to remove the leech, you can use the edge of a credit card, a sturdy piece of paper, or any other thin object.
Step 3. Take care of the open wound
When leeches attach themselves to the body, they inject an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting before they can suck it. When you remove one from the skin, the wound may bleed for several hours or even days before the anticoagulant released by the invertebrate leaves the body. Be prepared for the idea of having widespread bleeding when you remove the leech. For this reason it is important to cleanse the open wound with alcohol or another first aid cleaning solution and apply a bandage to protect it.
- Since the bleeding may take some time to stop, be sure to change the bandage regularly as the wound heals.
- It is important to treat the area as you would any open wound, especially if you are hiking in the jungle. Open wounds can become infected more easily in humid environments.
- Be prepared for the wound to itch during the healing process.
Step 4. Consider waiting for the leech to fill with blood and then fall off on its own
If you can resist, an easy way to get rid of this pesky pest is to drop it on its own. It takes about 20 minutes for it to fill with the host's blood and spontaneously fall from the skin at the end of the "feast". Know that leeches do not suck enough blood to make you lose a worrying amount and, since they do not spread disease, there is really no problem in waiting for them to spontaneously leave the host body without intervening.
The practice of letting leeches feed on human blood for medical use has been around for thousands of years and "leech therapy" continues to be a clinically important procedure. The use of leeches is suitable in cases of circulation problems and in replanting procedures
Step 5. Avoid removing leeches by any other means
You may have heard that they can be removed by pouring salt on them, burning them, spraying them with repellent, or drowning them in shampoo. While these techniques can actually force the parasite to let go and fall out of the body, be aware that it will first reject the blood sucked into the wound again, causing serious infections. Then stick to proper removal procedure by simply using your fingernails or other flat tools to slide them under the suction cup.
Part 2 of 3: Dealing with Difficult Cases
Step 1. Check the depth of the invertebrate
Sometimes leeches find their way into orifices such as the nostrils, ear canal, and mouth (this is more likely to happen if you are swimming in an environment infested with these parasites). When this happens, it can be difficult to reach the suction cup and practice the simple removal method described above. In this case try your best to eliminate the leech the easy way before trying alternative methods.
- Ask someone if they can help you slide something under the suction cup. Be very careful not to hurt yourself, though. Do not use this method if you cannot see the suction cup.
- Eventually you can wait for the parasite to finish sucking and fall on its own, but if it is in a small space it could swell too much and create serious complications.
Step 2. Use alcohol if it's in your mouth
If the leech has stuck to the inside of your mouth, you may be able to get it out by rinsing your mouth with vodka or another strong alcohol. Hold the alcohol in your mouth and move it for about 30 seconds, then spit it out; finally check if the leech has come out.
- If you can't have alcohol on hand, hydrogen peroxide can also work.
- If the leech remains after you have spit out the rinsing substance and does not come off on its own, you should see a doctor.
Step 3. Pierce the leech if it is getting too big
If you are in a remote area and have no way to see a doctor right away, her body may need to be punctured. The hope is that you were able to remove it by another method, but if it has become stuck in a really hard-to-reach spot, like a nostril, it may need to be pulled out before it gets in the way of breathing. In this case, take a sharp knife and simply pierce the skin of the leech. It won't be the coolest thing in the world, but the leech will die and you should be able to reach the sucker easily.
- Remove the invertebrate body and wash the area immediately.
- If you notice any signs of infection, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Step 4. See a doctor if you can't get it off
If you have a leech deep in the nose, in the ear canal or in another area of the body that is impossible to reach, you must go to the doctor to have it removed. Your doctor will be able to use specific tools to remove the parasite without hurting you.
Step 5. Get proper treatment right away if you show signs of a leech allergy
Few people are allergic to these parasites, but it happens. If you feel dizzy, rash, short of breath, or swelling, take an antihistamine (such as Benadryl) and see a doctor right away.
Part 3 of 3: Avoid Direct Contact with Leeches
Step 1. Be cautious when you are in areas infested with these pests
Terrestrial leeches are widespread in the jungles of Africa and Asia, but are also present in freshwater lakes and ponds around the world. If you are planning a trip to a place known for their presence, bring the appropriate equipment with you to minimize the chances of being bitten.
- Land leeches tend to live in the muddy, leafy areas of jungles. If you stay still in one spot long enough, they will start crawling towards you. Try to avoid contact with trees and plants and check your body often to see if they have bitten you.
- These invertebrates are attracted to movement, so wallowing and swimming could be more risky.
Step 2. Wear long sleeved clothing and long pants
Leeches are attracted to the exposed skin of warm-blooded animals. Wearing long sleeves and pants to the foot will protect you from their bites, although you will likely find leeches trying to get under the fabrics. If you are particularly worried about getting bitten, also wear gloves and a headgear so that no part of the skin is exposed.
- Wear closed-toed shoes instead of sandals.
- If you're planning a rather long jungle expedition, it's worth investing in a pair of leech-proof socks.
Step 3. Use insect repellents
While this is not a foolproof remedy for avoiding leeches, it is still a deterrent. Spray your skin and clothing with standard insect repellent and reapply every few hours while in a leech-infested area. Here are some other ways you can try to repel these parasites:
- Put some loose tobacco in your socks. It seems like leeches don't like that smell.
- Rub some soap or detergent on your hands and clothes.
Advice
- To prevent leeches from attacking you, wear closed-toed shoes and long socks. Sprinkling the body with insect repellent also prevents them from "sniffing" you when you are near, making them less likely to be bitten.
- Leeches die when you cover them with salt or roll them tightly in a handkerchief. The salt and the dry environment of the handkerchiefs absorb their moisture, causing them to wither.
- Check your feet, legs and any other part of your body if you are in a leech-prone area so you can identify them before they suck too much blood.
- If you come across a leech that is feeding, remember that it is a helpless creature that just needs to eat.
Warnings
- Leeches also attach themselves to pets living outside, such as cats and dogs. Animals that live very close to the ground risk getting bitten in the eye. If this happens, absolutely avoid pulling or jerking the leech and do not even put salt. You just have to wait for it to fall. The animal's eye will swell for a day or two, but otherwise no other problems should arise. If not, consult a veterinarian.
- Do not pull or jerk the leech.
- Do not use shampoo, salt, or insect repellent directly on the parasite when it is attached to the body, as it may regurgitate blood into the open wound and cause infection.
- If you are attacked by many leeches that are also large in size, consult a doctor.
