Human Roundworm Treatment

Humans can become infected with roundworms when you come into contact with the eggs and then touch your mouth, or they can enter the body through the skin. There are several types of roundworms, most of which live in the intestines. Treatment includes medication, diet therapy, and in rare cases, surgery.

Medication

• Antiparasitic drugs are used in the treatment of different types of roundworm. The most common roundworms, ascariasis, are treated with Vermox, Pin-Rid, Antiminth or Alebenza. Other species of roundworms include hookworms, loiasis, threadworm and whipworm. Hookworms are treated with Vermox or Albenza. Loiasis is treated by Hetrazan or Stromaectol. Threadworm is treated by Stromectol, Mintezol or Albenza. Whipworm is treated by Vermox or Albenza.

Surgery

• In rare cases, roundworms can cause an obstruction in the intestines that must be treated surgically. Surgical treatments involve removing the blockage and worms from the intestinal track. Surgery is usually combined with drug therapy and/or used as a last resort after drug therapy fails or if the infestation of roundworms in the body is too advanced and symptoms of intestinal blockage are severe.

Diet

• Getting appropriate nourishment with roundworm is essential, both because worms cause malnourishment and because eating certain foods can help fight off roundworm infestation. Bitter and spicy foods, especially containing turmeric, may be helpful in fighting a roundworm infestation. Warm tea (especially with spices like cloves and cinnamon), dark leafy greens, and antioxidant-rich foods (such as cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers) may also be helpful.