Quote:
Originally Posted by Argie's Wife
Bring a salt shaker with you - they'll let go if you salt them ..  |
This is the recomended method, although some folks like to tap them with a lit cigarette. Rubbing alchahol works too, as would hard liquor (externally applied!
).
"Pulling" them off is not recomended because mouth parts could be left behind. These remnants could result in serious infection. If the foreign material is not expelled your body will encyst it. Small cysts like this (lumps) are rarely a problem but may be confused later for more serious conditions.
After the leech releases clean the site with soap and/or first aid wash. Hand sanitizer should be safe too but it's going to sting... Squishing the leech for personal satisfaction is optional.