How to Deworm Yourself

Co-authored by Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: July 7, 2022 References Approved

Believe it or not, deworming isn’t just for pets. This process is for anyone with a parasite infection, whether it’s tapeworm, pinworm, hookworm, or something else. While these infections can be serious, they’re easy to treat and clear up with a doctor’s guidance. Don’t worry—we’ve answered all your frequently asked questions, so you can recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Question 1 of 8:

What medical treatments do I use for worms?

1
Use an anthelmintic medication (aka a medicine used to destroy worms). Some anthelmintic medicines, like mebendazole, thiabendazole, and albendazole, starve and kill the worms. Other medicines, like ivermectin and praziquantel, paralyze the worms so they pass in your stool.^{[1]
X
Research source} Ask your doctor about which medicine is the best option for you.
- 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.
2
Take the medication for 1 to 3 days. Your treatment schedule might depend on the type of infection you have—ask your doctor for a more specific treatment plan.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- 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.

Question 2 of 8:

Are there different medications for different types of worms?

Yes, but some medications are interchangeable. Tapeworms are usually treated with nitazoxanide, albendazole, or praziquantel, which all require doctor prescriptions.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If you have roundworms, doctors will treat the infection with albendazole.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Pinworms are also treated with albendazole, or mebendazole, a similar medication.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- 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}

Question 3 of 8:

Can I deworm myself naturally?

While home remedies won't hurt you, most are unproven with little evidence showing effectiveness. If you do have worms, medication is a safe, efficient way to get rid of the infection. For those still interested in trying for some natural relief, here are some suggestions.
- 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.

Question 4 of 8:

What are some signs of worms?

1
You see physical signs of worms. The next time you use the restroom, take a closer look in the toilet bowl. In some cases, people notice white, thread-like worms in their stool.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} You might also notice a red, worm-shaped rash on your body, or feel really itchy near your bottom.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
2
You experience stomach pain and your bowel movements are off. Worm parasites can take a big toll on your day-to-day life. You might experience diarrhea, have stomach pains that last longer than 2 weeks, or just feel super lousy.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} In the passing days and weeks, you might also go through unexplained weight loss.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
3
Try the tape test for 3 days. Pinworm eggs tend to hang around the anus.^{[14]
X
Expert Source

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} Right after you wake up, stick and remove a piece of clear tape right next to your anus and set it aside in a bag. Keep collecting tape for 3 days before bringing the samples to your doctor, who can look over the tape for eggs.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Always do the tape test first thing in the morning, before you go to the bathroom or change into fresh clothes.

Question 5 of 8:

Should I diagnose myself at home?

No, always visit a doctor to get an official diagnosis. Your physician might ask you to take a stool sample, where lab technicians can check for worm segments and/or eggs. Your doctor might also take a blood test to look for specific antibodies, or take an imaging test, which can look for signs of an infection.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Although it may be a little inconvenient, your doctor can identify what kind of infection you’re dealing with, and help you figure out a treatment plan.
- 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}

Question 6 of 8:

How can I prevent a future infection?

1
Clean and thoroughly cook all of your food. Unfortunately, you can catch worms from unwashed produce, or raw/undercooked fish, beef, and pork.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} Always wash your fruits and veggies, and cook any meat cuts to at an internal temperature of 145 to 165 °F (63 to 74 °C).^{[19]
X
Research 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}
2
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Always wash up before preparing any meals or snacks, and whenever you use the restroom.^{[21]
X
Expert Source

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.}^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} Experts advise washing your hands for 20 seconds, so you get a really thorough clean.^{[23]
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}

Question 7 of 8:

How else can I stay healthy after a worm infection?

1
Keep your home clean. Wash any old bedding, sleepwear, and towels where eggs might have collected. Then, vacuum all over your home, especially your sleeping area. Experts also recommend damp dusting around your home, especially near any mattresses, bathroom surfaces, and play areas. To be extra safe, always throw out your damp dusting cloth once you’re done with it, so you don’t accidentally spread eggs around.^{[24]
X
Research 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}
2
Practice good hygiene. Take a bath or clean off your anus each morning for 2 weeks, which will get rid of any worm eggs. Also, aim to change into a clean pair of underwear each morning, and wear a close-fitting pair to bed each night. This way, you won’t be as tempted to scratch your bottom. In general, try to wash your hands frequently, and ditch any habits like nail-biting.^{[27]
X
Research source}

Question 8 of 8:

How do I know when a parasite is gone?

Check in with your doctor to be sure. Your doctor might ask you to submit stool samples once you’ve finished taking your medication. If your stool is consistently clean, your physician can give you a clean bill of health.^{[28]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to 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}

Expert Q&A

Question

Do humans normally have worms?

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

Worms aren't all that common if you live in an area with clean water and strict meat/poultry regulations.
Question

What is the most common type of parasite?

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

One of the most common parasites is a pinworm—they get spread through bad hygiene, which is why young kids tend to get them more. Pinworms are ultimately harmless, but they can cause a lot of itching around the bottom.
Question

What are signs of worms in humans?

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

Diarrhea and frequent abdominal pain are common symptoms of worms. You can also spot worms in your bowel movements.