Tick Season Warning: Quick Shower Won't Remove Attached Ticks, Experts Say

A shower after spending time outdoors will not wash off a tick that has already attached itself to the skin, health experts warn. While a quick rinse does not remove an embedded tick, it can reduce the risk of a tick latching on in the first place and makes it easier to conduct a thorough, step-by-step check of the entire body afterward. Ticks are a significant health concern in Slovakia, as they can transmit Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Experts recommend carefully inspecting the whole body after outdoor activity, paying close attention to areas such as the hairline, behind the ears, armpits, and the backs of the knees, where ticks commonly attach.