Remedy for Worms in Children

Stomach and intestinal worms are a type of parasitic infestation that feeds off of the human body. There are many different types of worms, each of which is common in children and can be harmful if not treated, so it is important to seek a remedy as soon as they are detected. There are several remedies, both prescribed and over-the-counter, for the various types of worms that can infect children.

Prescribed Medications

• The prescribed remedies for worms vary greatly depending on the type of worm. For tapeworms, niclosamide is prescribed to limit the worms glucose supply and praziquantel is prescribed to attack the tape worm directly. For intestinal roundworms, diethylcarbamazine and piperazine are prescribed to expel the worm from the intestinal tract. Thiabendazole mebendazole are also prescribed for roundworms, hook worms and whip worms. It is important to have your child diagnosed before attempting any remedy and to receive a prescription from your child's pediatrician before administering these drugs.

Altered Diet

• An altered diet can sometimes help expel unwanted worms. Start the child on an all-fresh-fruit diet for four to five days. After the initial fresh fruit period, introduce vegetables, milk and breads. Keep all fatty foods, including dairy products other than milk, oils and meats out of the child's diet until the symptoms pass. Consult with your child's pediatrician before attempting this diet modification.

Home Remedies

• Several home remedies are thought to be effective against worms. One tablespoon of fresh ground coconut, followed by 30 to 60ml of castor oil mixed with 300ml of warm milk every morning is thought to expel worms. Eating three cloves of garlic every morning is also thought to help with worm infestations. Furthermore, 1 cup of grated carrot every morning taken with no other foods has also served as a home remedy for all types of parasitic worms. Home remedies, like all other remedies, should not be attempted without first consulting with your child's pediatrician.

Additional Remedy Tips

• To effectively treat any type of worms and to prevent it from being re-contracted, a number of precautions should be taken. The child's clothes, towels and bedding should be washed with disinfectant laundry detergent to kill any eggs, worms or larvae present. The child should also be cleaned thoroughly daily during the treatment process and for several weeks after to ensure that no worms, eggs or larvae are ingested after the treatment is completed. Children should also not be allowed to play in dirt, sand or mud, as many different worm types live in this environment and can be contracted through the skin.