When you got back from your hike, before you sat down around the camp, did you do a clothing check for ticks? Why would you want to do that you ask? There are tiny little critters that can make themselves at home on your clothing and eventually onto your body that can cause you much misery later on if you don’t find them first. The misery would be from contracting Lyme disease.
Some nymph-stage ticks are no bigger than a pinhead. This is the stage for transmission of Lyme disease, so you definitely want to be sure you are not harboring these unwanted guests. Even though they are difficult to see, have another person help you do a clothing inspection, especially around cuff and collar areas. After that, shed your outer clothing and, away from your area, shake them out. Now check all exposed skin, including around the hairline, in the hair and on the scalp and in and behind the ears. Remove your shoes and socks and check your ankles and legs. Inside your home or RV, inspect all private body areas and under your arms, using a mirror, if needed, or have your partner help. Don’t forget to check between the toes, especially if you hiked in an open shoe, which, I may add, is not a good idea. Ticks move quickly and easily, so checking everything is important.