Enterobiasis is a parasitic disease caused by pinworms, also known as Enterobius vermicularis, nematode worms that infect and colonize the intestine; this is a common problem in children. If your child or any other family member has become infected, learn how to kill the parasites to get rid of them.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Treatments
Step 1. Diagnose the infection
One of the simplest ways to detect enterobiasis is the duct tape test. Take a piece of clear tape and wrap it around your fingers, sticky side out; as soon as your child wakes up, press the tape firmly into the skin around his anus. You should see the eggs sticking to the sticker.
- Immediately put the piece of tape in a sealed bag; remember that it is now infected and could spread the eggs to other people.
- Be sure to proceed with this test before the baby goes to the bathroom or bathes; some doctors recommend repeating the test for three consecutive mornings, but there is a good chance that only one test will suffice.
Step 2. Go to the doctor
If you notice the eggs on the duct tape, take the child or the infected person to the doctor; he can verify that it is indeed a pinworm parasitosis and not some other ailment. Bring the tape with you to show the pediatrician.
The doctor may examine the sample under a microscope to determine the presence of pinworm eggs
Step 3. Treat the infection with medication
Two doses can be used to treat parasitosis; the first is given at the time of diagnosis and the second two weeks later. In this way, it is ensured that all adult specimens that have hatched after the first administration of the drug are eradicated, since the active ingredient is not able to kill the eggs.
- All family members should perform the same treatment simultaneously.
- The most common drugs used for this purpose are mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate and albendazole. Ask the pharmacist for one of these medicines on free sale or ask the doctor to prescribe an active ingredient and discuss with him which is the most suitable for you.
Method 2 of 4: Unverified Alternative Remedies
Step 1. Understand the limitations of natural remedies
It is important to be aware that alternative solutions have no scientific evidence or corroboration - the evidence is based on anecdotal data, personal experience or "word of mouth"; without scientific studies that can prove their effectiveness, there is no way to know if these methods actually lead to positive results against pinworms.
If you want to try alternative remedies, you should talk to your doctor first; furthermore, they should be used in combination with the medications indicated by the doctor and should not be considered therapies in themselves
Step 2. Use garlic
It is an excellent home remedy for getting rid of these parasites. First, eat plenty of fresh garlic, as it can reduce and kill nematodes during evacuation. You can also make a garlic paste and apply it on the anal area; in this way, you kill the eggs and the oil soothes the itch.
- To prepare the dough, chop two or three cloves of fresh garlic and add a few teaspoons of castor or mineral oil; make sure you add enough to make a paste. Alternatively, you can use petroleum jelly.
- Ask your doctor for consent before using home treatments.
Step 3. Try turmeric
Laboratory studies have been conducted showing that it can kill parasites, although researchers are unsure whether it can also kill those that infest people; however, spiced foods, just like turmeric, have been shown to be effective against pinworms. Take 300 mg of turmeric in capsule form three times a day.
- Alternatively, you can prepare an herbal tea; infuse one teaspoon of turmeric in 250ml boiling water for five to ten minutes and drink two to four cups.
- You should not take turmeric if you are taking blood thinners, as you may be at a higher risk of bleeding.
Step 4. Drink absinthe tea
This plant is traditionally used to expel worms from the digestive tract. Add three or four drops of absinthe tincture to 250ml of warm water and have your child drink one cup a day; adults can drink two cups.
- Talk to your doctor before taking absinthe.
- Do not drink it if you are on antiepileptic drugs; also, if you are allergic to ragweed, you may also be allergic to this plant.
Method 3 of 4: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Wash your hands
All family members should wash them often, especially after taking the duct tape test or after contact with the infected child. Also wash them before eating or putting your hands in your mouth, and be sure to scrupulously use plenty of soap.
- Start by wetting them, then create a lot of lather with the soap, carefully rubbing the spaces between the fingers and around the nails;
- Use a soft toothbrush to scrub under your nails, as eggs may get trapped in them, especially if the infected person has scratched themselves.
- Once you have washed your hands, rinse them well with hot water and finally dry them thoroughly;
- Keep your nails short and trim them regularly to avoid irritation and reduce the risk of spreading parasites.
Step 2. Take a shower in the morning
If you or your child are infected with roundworms, you should shower immediately after waking up. Pinworms lay eggs overnight, so you may have hundreds of their eggs covered in your anal area, which can spread to other people or hatch. as soon as you or your baby get up in the morning, take off contaminated clothing and shower.
Take a shower and not a bath, because in the latter case there is a risk that the eggs remain in the tub water and can then enter the body or mouth, causing a second infection
Step 3. Keep underwear and bedding clean
Since the eggs are deposited on the anus, you need to make sure that infected people change their undergarments every day; however, avoid keeping the sick's dirty linen together with that of other people, to reduce the risk of spreading parasites and their eggs.
- Wash all clothing, sheets, and towels with the hottest water possible. It is not necessary to do laundry every day, you can keep the fabrics in a sealed plastic bag until you can do a full load in the washing machine; at the end of the wash rinse the garments at least twice.
- To reduce the risk of spreading the eggs, make sure no one uses the towels again during this time.
- Consider wearing disposable gloves when handling potentially infectious material.
- Do not shake contaminated clothing or bedding before washing them properly, otherwise the eggs can transfer and spread, causing other possible infestations.
Method 4 of 4: Understanding Enterobiasis
Step 1. Know how parasites can be contracted
You can introduce roundworms into your body when you eat, touch something or someone infected with pinworm eggs, and then put your fingers in your mouth. Once the eggs reach the intestine, they develop and hatch in the body; the females then come out of the anus and deposit their eggs on the surrounding skin.
- The adult specimens are white and less than 2 cm or as long as a metal point; during the night they move to the anus, where they deposit their eggs, potentially releasing up to 10,000. It only takes a few hours for the eggs to hatch and are able to cause infection.
- They can survive for up to two weeks on clothing, sheets, food or other surfaces, as well as on animal fur, although only humans can be infested with them.
Step 2. Identify your risk factors
Children and young people under the age of 18 are the people most at risk; it is estimated that 10 to 40% of all children have contracted enterobiasis at some point in their life. Younger children are even more likely to become infected, along with their family members and school assistants or teachers.
- Children may unknowingly spread parasites to their family members. If your child has contracted the infection, you should make sure that all family members undergo treatments, as the chances of the spread of roundworms are very high.
- Children can also transmit the parasite in school or kindergarten.
Step 3. Recognize the symptoms of pinworms
Unfortunately, most infections are asymptomatic and infected people may not realize it. If someone exhibits signs or symptoms of parasitosis, the chief among them is usually itching around the anus, which gets worse during the night when the females lay their eggs and they hatch; the itching can be quite annoying and the baby may feel a lot of discomfort. Other possible symptoms are urinary tract infections and sleep deprivation.
- People who scratch very vigorously and create skin lesions can develop infections.
- You can diagnose enterobiasis at home by taking the duct tape test, but you can also take your baby to the pediatrician for a more thorough checkup.
