Human worm infection

How do you deworm a human without going to the doctor?

Human worm infection

The most common worm infections in humans are threadworm, round worm and whipworm. It is said that up to 40% of school children have threadworm infection at any one time so this is a common infection! It normally presents with an itchy bottom (anus) or what doctors call pruritis ani, usually worse at night. It is spread by ingestion (swallowing the eggs) as a result of the so called faecal-oral route due to poor hand hygiene. The other common worm is the tapeworm, usually obtained by ingesting the eggs from partially cooked pork. This worms life cycle involves the pig hence the way it is spread to humans. It usually causes abdominal pain, weight loss and diarrhea.

Most of the common worm infections can be treated with drugs such as Piperazine, Merbendazole or Albendazole. Piperazine can be bought over the counter in the UK. The dose is normally 1 sachet only, but all the family should be treated as cross infection is likely. Always follow the manufacturers instructions. Merbendazole dose is normally 100mg twice a day for 3 days. Tapeworm is treated with a drug called Praziquantel, but this usually needs to be prescribed. Good hand hygiene and ensuring food is cooked properly is also important. I hope this is helpful!