Believe it or not, deworming is actually not only done on pets. This procedure is applied to anyone who is infected with parasites, whether by tapeworms, pinworms, hookworms, or other worms. Although the infection can be severe, you can treat it and get rid of it under your doctor's guidance. Don't worry, this article will answer some frequently asked questions so you can make a quick and efficient recovery.
Step
Method 1 of 8: What medication should be used to treat intestinal worms?
Step 1. Use anthelmintic (deworming)
Some anthelmintic drugs, such as thiabendazole, mebendazole, and albendazole, can starve the worms to death. Other drugs (eg praziquantel and ivermectin) can paralyze the worms so that the worms are excreted in the feces. Consult with your doctor to find out the best medicine for you.
Ask your doctor to prescribe medication to treat intestinal worms that attack you
Step 2. Take the medicine for 1 to 3 days
The length of time to take the drug will depend on the type of infection you have. Ask your doctor for an exact treatment schedule.
Ask your doctor if your roommate, partner, and/or family member should also take medication
Method 2 of 8: Should each type of worm be treated with a different drug?
Step 1. Yes, but some drugs can be used to eradicate certain types of worms
Tapeworms are usually treated with albendazole, nitazoxanide, or praziquantel (all of which require a prescription). To eradicate roundworms, doctors will usually prescribe albendazole. You can also use albendazole or mebendazole (these are similar drugs) to treat pinworms.
The doctor will also prescribe albendazole and mebendazole to eradicate hookworms
Method 3 of 8: Can I get rid of intestinal worms naturally?
Step 1. No, there is no real evidence to support the use of natural remedies
There are websites that discuss "natural" ways to get rid of worms, such as eating certain fruits, vegetables and whole grains, or taking certain supplements. Unfortunately, this method is not supported by adequate medical evidence. If you have intestinal worms, an efficient and safe way to get rid of them is to take medication.
A study shows that dried papaya seeds mixed with honey can remove worms from the stool. However, this is only a pilot study, and is not recommended by other medical websites
Method 4 of 8: What are the signs of intestinal worms?
Step 1. There are physical signs of worms
When defecating, pay attention to the toilet bowl. In some cases, you will find white, thread-like worms in your stool. You may also experience a red, worm-like rash on your body, or the area near your buttocks is very itchy.
Step 2. Stomach aches and bowel movements will stop
Worm parasites can have a major impact on everyday life. You may have diarrhea, abdominal pain for more than two weeks, or you may not feel well. Within a few days and weeks, you may lose weight for no apparent reason.
Step 3. Try doing a tape worm test for three days
Pinworm eggs usually accumulate around the anus. As soon as you wake up, apply and remove clear tape around the anus and store it in a bag. Do this for three days, and take the tape to the doctor. The doctor will examine the tape for worm eggs.
Be sure to do a masking tape test in the morning before you go to the restroom or change clothes
Method 5 of 8: Can I self-diagnose at home?
Step 1. No, you have to go to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis
Your doctor may ask for a stool sample to be examined in a laboratory to look for worms and/or eggs. Your doctor will also test your blood for certain antibodies, or perform imaging tests to look for infection. Although a little uncomfortable, the doctor will recognize the type of infection you have, and provide appropriate treatment.
Even if you believe you have intestinal worms, the best course of action is to get confirmation from your doctor first. Some bacteria, such as Escherichia coli or E. coli, have symptoms that are similar to those of intestinal worms and you could be wrong
Method 6 of 8: How to prevent future infections?
Step 1. Clean and cook all food until done
Worms can hide in unwashed produce, or raw/undercooked fish, beef and pork. Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables, and cook any meat to an internal temperature of 65 to 75°C.
- Cook ground beef until its internal temperature reaches at least 70 °C.
- Experts recommend that you scrub fruit and vegetables under running water. Clean hard-textured produce (such as melons or cucumbers) with a clean vegetable brush. Next, dry the food ingredients using a clean tissue or cloth.
Step 2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Be sure to clean yourself up before you prepare a meal or snack, and every time you use the restroom. Experts recommend washing your hands for about 20 seconds so that your hands are completely clean.
Method 7 of 8: How to keep the body healthy after getting intestinal worms?
Step 1. Keep the house clean
Wash bedding, nightgowns, and old towels that may contain worm eggs. After that, clean all parts of the house with a vacuum cleaner, especially in the bed area. Experts also recommend damp dusting (cleaning using a damp cloth) around the house, especially around mattresses, bathroom surfaces, and playgrounds. To be on the safe side, be sure to remove the damp cloth after you use it to prevent worm eggs from spreading.
- To perform damp dusting, dip a washcloth in the cleaning solution, then wring out the excess water. Next, use the cloth to wipe the dirty surface.
- Some parasites (eg pinworms) can survive around the house for about 2 weeks. Regular cleaning and washing of clothes will prevent worm infestations.
Step 2. Practice good hygiene
Bathe or clean the anus every morning for two weeks to remove all worm eggs. Also, always change into clean underwear every morning, and wear tight pants when sleeping at night. This is useful for reducing the temptation to scratch the buttocks. In general, you should wash your hands often, and give up bad habits like biting your nails.
Method 8 of 8: How do you know if the worm is gone?
Step 1. Check with your doctor to be sure
Your doctor may ask you to send a stool sample after you finish your prescribed medication. If the stool is clear of worms, the doctor will make sure that you are free of worms.
