Believe it or not, it's not just pets that have to worry about worms. Deworming is a necessary operation for anyone suffering from a parasitic infection, be it tapeworms, enterobes, hookworms or other. While these conditions can be serious, they are easy to treat and resolve with the guidance of a doctor. Don't worry, we have all your frequently asked questions answered, so you can recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Steps
Method 1 of 8: What medications should I use against worms?
Step 1. Use an anthelmintic drug
Some medicines of this type, such as mebendazole, thiabendazole and albendazole, kill the worms by starving them. Others, such as ivermectin and praziquantel, paralyze them so that you can pass them in your stool. Ask your doctor what drug treatment is best for you.
Go to your doctor's office to get a prescription for treatment for your infection
Step 2. Take the medications for 1-3 days
The dosage of your treatment varies according to the type of infection you have contracted; ask your doctor for specific directions.
Ask your doctor if your partner, roommates and family members also need to take the same medications
Method 2 of 8: Are there different medications for different types of worms?
Step 1. Yes, but some medicines are interchangeable
Tapeworm infestations are usually treated with nitazoxanide, albendazole, or praziquantel, which require a doctor's prescription. If you have roundworms, your doctor will treat your infection with albendazole. Enterobes are also treated with albendazole or mebendazole, a similar drug.
Doctors also treat hookworms with albendazole and mebendazole
Method 3 of 8: Can I get rid of worms naturally?
Step 1. No, there is no hard evidence to support natural remedies
Some websites talk about "natural" ways to get rid of worms, such as eating certain fruits, vegetables, seeds or taking certain supplements. Unfortunately, there is not much scientific evidence to support these suggestions. If you have worms, medications are a safe and efficient treatment for treating the infection.
One study claims that dried papaya seeds mixed with honey are able to eliminate worms from stool. However, this is only a pilot study and this method is not officially recommended by other medical websites
Method 4 of 8: What are the symptoms of worms?
Step 1. You can notice the physical presence of the worms
The next time you go to the bathroom, take a close look at the inside of the toilet. In some cases, people notice white, thread-like worms in the stool. You may also notice a red, worm-like irritation on the skin or feel severe itching in the anal area.
Step 2. You suffer from stomach pains and don't defecate normally
Parasitic worms can interfere very negatively with your daily life. You can develop diarrhea, abdominal pain that lasts for more than 2 weeks or just feel very sick. As the days and weeks go by, you may also notice unexplained weight loss.
Step 3. Try the duct tape test for 3 days
Hookworms have a tendency to lay eggs near the anus. As soon as you wake up, attach a piece of clear tape to the skin adjacent to the anus, then remove it and place it in a bag. Keep collecting samples for 3 days before taking them to the doctor, who can look for the eggs on the duct tape.
Always try the duct tape test early in the morning, before you go to the bathroom or change your clothes
Method 5 of 8: Should I diagnose myself at home?
Step 1. No, always consult a doctor for an official diagnosis
Your GP may ask you to take a stool sample, which lab technicians can examine for worms or eggs. In addition, your doctor may have blood tests to look for specific antibodies or ask for an imaging test to look for signs of an infection. While it will be a little unpleasant, your doctor will identify the type of infection that has hit you and help you find the best cure.
Even if you are certain you have worms, it is always best to ask your doctor for confirmation first. Some types of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) cause symptoms similar to parasitic infections, and you may be confusing the two parologies
Method 6 of 8: How can I prevent infections in the future?
Step 1. Always clean and cook all the foods you eat well
Unfortunately, it is possible to get worms from unwashed vegetables or raw or undercooked fish, beef and pork. Always wash fruit and vegetables and cook all the meat until it reaches a core temperature of 63-74 ° C.
- Cook the mince up to at least 71 ° C.
- Experts suggest rubbing fruits and vegetables well under running water. Clean all harder fresh produce, such as melons and watermelons, with a clean kitchen brush. Afterwards, dry everything with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
Step 2. Wash your hands often with soap and water
Make it a habit to always do this before preparing meals or snacks and after going to the bathroom. Experts recommend washing your hands for 20 seconds to completely sanitize them.
Method 7 of 8: What other ways can I heal my health after a parasitic infection?
Step 1. Keep the house clean
Wash all bedding, pajamas, and towels where eggs may have settled. Afterward, vacuum the entire house, especially the bedroom you sleep in. Experts also recommend washing the floors at home, especially near mattresses, bathroom surfaces and those dedicated to games. To be safe, always throw away the cloth you used, so you don't accidentally spill the eggs.
- To wash the floors at home, just wet a cloth with a detergent solution and wring out all the excess liquid. At that point, pass it on all dirty surfaces.
- Some parasites, such as enterobes, can survive for about 2 weeks in your home. Regular cleaning and laundry can help prevent other infections.
Step 2. Practice good personal hygiene
Bathe or clean the anus area every morning and evening for 2 weeks to get rid of all worm eggs. Also, try to wear a new clean pair of panties every day and go to sleep in tight panties. This way, you will resist the temptation to scratch your butt. In general, try to wash your hands often and abandon bad habits, such as biting your nails.
Method 8 of 8: How do I find out if the parasites have been eliminated?
Step 1. Ask your doctor to be more sure
At the end of drug therapy, your doctor may ask you to take a stool sample. If the exam reveals that they are free of worms, your doctor will confirm your recovery.
