How to Deworm Yourself

Co-authored by Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: December 9, 2025 Fact Checked

Believe it or not, deworming isn’t just for pets. This process is for anyone with a parasite infection, whether it’s a 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, with expert advice from board-certified gastroenterologist Muhammed Khan, MD, MPH.

How can I deworm myself?

Board-certified gastroenterologist Muhammed Khan, MD, MPH, recommends visiting a doctor to get tested for worms. Generally, a doctor will collect a few stool samples to confirm if you have worms, then prescribe an anthelmintic medication to get rid of them, like mebendazole, thiabendazole, or albendazole.

Question 1 of 8:

What medical treatments do I use for worms?

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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 in the gut so they are removed in your stool.^{[1]
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Research source} Ask your doctor about which medicine is best 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, particularly those for pinworms.
2
Take the anti-worm 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]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

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- 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?

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Yes, but some medications are interchangeable. Tapeworms are usually treated with nitazoxanide, albendazole, or praziquantel, which all require doctor prescriptions.^{[4]
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Research source} If you have roundworms, doctors will treat the infection with albendazole.^{[5]
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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]
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Research source}
- Doctors also treat hookworm with albendazole and mebendazole.^{[7]
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  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?

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While home remedies won’t hurt you, most are unproven with little evidence showing effectiveness. If you do have worms, medication is the most effective way to treat the infection. For those still interested in seeking natural relief, here are some suggestions:^{[8]
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Research source}
- Some believe consuming raw garlic can kill pinworm eggs.
- The antibacterial and antiviral properties of coconut oil could potentially be beneficial both by consuming and by applying topically around the affected areas.
- Pomegranate may have antiparasitic, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects, and has been used to treat tapeworms since ancient times.^{[9]
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  Research source} However, results are inconclusive.
- One study found that dried papaya seeds mixed with honey helped clear worms out of the stool.^{[10]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source} With that being said, data is limited, and large-scale human trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety for general use.

Question 4 of 8:

What are some signs of worms?

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The next time you use the restroom, take a closer look inside the toilet bowl. Usually, people notice large segments of worms in their stool, says Khan, MD, MPH.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Interview} You might also see a red, itchy worm-shaped rash on your body, or feel extreme itching near your anus.^{[12]
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National Health Service (UK)
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Worm parasites can take a toll on your day-to-day life. You may experience symptoms of diarrhea or have frequent abdominal pain, according to Khan, MD, MPH.^{[13]
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Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Interview} In the passing days and weeks, you might start losing weight for no reason.^{[14]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source}
3
Try the tape test for 3 days. Pinworms tend to come out of the anus, especially at night, says Khan, MD, MPH.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Interview} Right after you wake up, stick a piece of clear tape right next to your anus, then remove it 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.^{[16]
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Research 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?

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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.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source

Cleveland 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. Some bacteria, like Escherichia coli (E. coli), have similar symptoms to worm parasites, and can be easy to mix up.

Question 6 of 8:

How can I prevent a future infection?

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1
Clean and thoroughly cook all of your food. Unfortunately, you can catch worms from unwashed produce, or raw or undercooked fish, beef, and pork.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source

National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source} Always wash your fruits and veggies, and cook whole meat cuts to 145 to 165 °F (63 to 74 °C).^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source

Cleveland 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).
- The FDA recommends rubbing produce under a stream of plain running water.^{[20]
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  Trustworthy Source
  
  US Food and Drug Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
  
  Go to source} 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.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after going to the restroom, and regularly throughout the day.^{[21]
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Trustworthy Source

National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source} The CDC recommends scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds to get rid of germs.^{[22]
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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?

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1
Keep your home clean. Wash any old bedding, sleepwear, and towels that may have collected eggs. Then, vacuum your entire home, especially in your sleeping area. You should also damp dust around your home, washing the cloth frequently with hot water.^{[23]
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Research source} To be extra safe, throw out your damp dusting cloth once you’re done with it to avoid accidentally spreading eggs.
- To damp dust your home, dip a cloth in a cleaning solution and squeeze out any excess liquid. Then, wipe down any dirty surfaces with the cloth.
- Some parasites, such as threadworms, can survive for about 2 weeks in your home. Regular cleaning and laundry cycles can help prevent new infections.
Practice good hygiene. For 2 weeks, take a bath or clean off your anus each morning to get rid of any worm eggs. 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, keep your fingernails short, and ditch habits like nail-biting.^{[24]
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Question 8 of 8:

How do I know when a parasite is gone?

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Check in with your doctor to be sure you’re parasite-free. Your doctor might ask you to submit stool samples once you’ve finished taking your medication.^{[25]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} If your stool is consistently clean, they can give you a clean bill of health.
- Depending on your medication, you may need to take one or more doses for anywhere between 3 days and up to 3 weeks. Go back to your doctor if your symptoms do not get better in 2 weeks or if you keep passing live worms in your stool.^{[26]
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  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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