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Why are leeches difficult to remove? Kuya Kim answers


Instead of feeling de-stressed, a hiker said her blood pressure almost rose while she was visiting Mount Labi in Nueva Ecija after discovering that there were leeches on her neck!

Have you ever wondered why leeches are difficult to remove?

According to Kuya Kim’s report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, linta or limatik (leeches) have three jaws, and each of their jaw has about a hundred teeth that cling to the skin.

“Specialized siya kung saan siya aattach. Meron silang attachment na parang strong na mga muscles at meron silang mga jaws na capable talagang kumagat,” Biologist Jaira Angeline Balisi said.

Oftentimes, we don't get to feel that we are being attacked by leeches.

Their saliva has analgesic properties similar to anesthesia “kaya hindi mo talaga siya mararamdaman.”

Health benefits

The leeches, in some countries, are believed to be useful.

In some countries, people have their blood sucked by leeches, believing that these have health benefits. The process is called hirudotherapy.

“I think the chances kung bakit nila nae-explore yung doon sa bagay na yun is because of the anticoagulant factors ng ating mga leeches. They are capable na magdire-diretso ang blood flow,” the expert added.

Safely remove leeches

In case a leech clings to your skin, the expert advises not to yank it off right away.

“There’s a possibility na mas lalong mag-tear yung skin na meron ka doon,” she said.

Instead, the ideal first aid is to pour a mixture of salt and water on the area.

“Nilalabas niya yung nasa loob ng bodies niya and therefore it can detach itself. Talagang hindi niya kayang ma-tolerate yung mataas na concentration outside,” she continued.

The leeches, despite their size, play a role in the environment.

“Maski napakaliit na mga organisms na meron tayo, meron silang role na ginagampanan sa ating ecosystem,” Balisi said. — Carby Basina/BAP, GMA Integrated News

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