Intestinal worms can affect the body in a variety of ways, causing everything from muscle pain to anemia. There are many different kinds of worms and knowing what kind of infestation you have as well as treating it correctly will help you avoid being afflicted again. The most common kinds of intestinal worms or parasites are pinworms, roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Keep in mind that you are far more likely to be treated correctly if you are diagnosed by a doctor as opposed to self-diagnosis, so don’t be afraid to get checked out.
Treat a pinworm infestation by using a prescription from your doctor such as Vermox. You also have the option of using an over-the-counter medication such as Reese’s Pinworm Medicine, found in most pharmacies. Avoid passing the parasite on and future infestations by washing your bedding and clothing in hot water and washing your hands frequently.
Treat roundworms with a pyrantel pamoate based medicine obtained from your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine will need to be taken once a week in a three- or four-week cycle to make sure you have killed all the worms in all of the stages of their month-long life cycle.
Treat hookworms by obtaining a prescription that contains albendazole or mebendazole. This medication will need to be taken twice a day for three days. Avoid future hookworm infestations by keeping your shoes on when walking on soil that may have been contaminated by feces, such as in a barn.
To get rid of tapeworm, you must first determine if you have a flea infestation, as the two are often linked. The fleas eat the tapeworm eggs and then they must be ingested by the victim (which is why it is relatively rare in humans, but still can happen). Someone who is afflicted must treat himself with a prescription de-wormer, while the living environment must be treated for fleas with either Methoprene or Nylar.
Practice good hygiene and maintain a clean environment while both treating intestinal worms as well as after since you can spread them and/or even reinfect yourself. Keep all linens you come in contact with clean and wash your hands often. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cook meat well.