Stop by your pharmacy to pick up a prescription if needed. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Note that some deworming medications are available over the counter, in particular medicines to treats pinworms.
Ask your doctor if your partner, roommates, and/or family members need to take the medication, too. Anyone you live with experiencing symptoms will likely need to take the medication at the same time as you.
Doctors also treat hookworm with albendazole and mebendazole. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Consuming raw garlic is anecdotally believed by some people to kill pinworm eggs. Antibacterial and antiviral properties of coconut oil could potentially be beneficial both by consuming or by applying topically around the areas affected. Pomegranate has been studied as another natural remedy, but with mostly inconclusive results. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source One study found that dried papaya seeds mixed with honey helped clear worms out of stool. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source However, this was just a pilot study, and this method isn’t officially recommended by other medical websites.
Always do the tape test first thing in the morning, before you go to the bathroom or change into fresh clothes.
Even if you’re certain you have worms, it’s always best to get a doctor’s confirmation first. Some bacteria, like Escherichia coli (E. coli) have similar symptoms to worm parasites, and can be easy to mix up. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Cook ground meat to an internal temperature of at least 160 °F (71 °C). Experts suggest rubbing your fruits and veggies under a stream of running water. Clean off any firmer produce, like melons and cucumbers, with a clean vegetable brush. Then, dry everything off with a clean paper towel or cloth. [20] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
To damp dust your home, simply dip a cloth in a cleaning solution and squeeze out any excess liquid. Then, wipe down any dirty surfaces with the cloth. [25] X Research source Some parasites, like threadworms, can survive for about 2 weeks around your home. Regular cleaning and laundry cycles can help prevent any new infections. [26] X Research source
Generally, your symptoms should clear up in 2 weeks or less. If the medication doesn’t seem to work, contact your doctor right away. [29] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
