The world around us is full of various organisms and some of them are parasitic. This means they are prone to utilize the body of a human as a host and live on it. Usually, such parasites are tiny and not all of them are visible to the naked eye. In this article, we are going to explore bed worms, their types and all the basic issues related to these infections.
What are Bed Worms Parasites?
On the one hand, one can observe in the bed or other furniture small worms that are premature forms of insects. They are not parasitic and not harmful to humans. On the other hand, some of the worms may be dangerous and invasive. For instance, pinworms can leave the body of a host through the anal area and stay outside for a while.
Therefore, if you’ve found some worms at home, do not hesitate to check the whole family for parasites. Most of them disappear after a single dose of proper medicine. In addition, clean the house and pay enough attention to the hygiene.
Common Bed Worms Type
Parasitic worms are various in types, sizes, ways of spreading and symptoms they cause. Here we describe the most common kinds.
Threadworms or pinworms
Threadworms are also called pinworms. They are quite small and white and live in the intestines. Children are most often affected by these parasites. One of the symptoms is itching near the anal area, especially during the night, when the worms come out. Then, they can be also found in the linen.
Hookworms
Hookworms also live in the small intestine. Their eggs are spread with the infected feces. If they are left on the soil, the parasitic worms can develop there and then penetrate the human body through the skin. The ingestion of the eggs is also possible.
Roundworms
Roundworms are the most wide and common group of parasites. For instance, ascariasis belongs to them. They usually are long and of different sizes and live in the intestines causing various digestive issues.
Whipworms
Whipworms inhabit the large intestine and their eggs are spread via the infected feces. The eggs of these parasites must be ingested to start the invasion. This may happen due to the neglect of basic hygiene rules.
How do Bed Worms Parasites Enter the Body?
As we have already mentioned, different parasites have various ways to enter the body. Usually, they come inside as eggs that are impossible to see. That is the reason for the spreading of invasions among both adults and children.
Contaminated foods
Almost all products may be contaminated with parasites. Thus, fruits and vegetables can carry on roundworms, and meat or fish may be the source of tapeworms and cestodes. Therefore, all the products require proper cooking and washing.
It is important to be aware of the origin of the product and stay sure of its quality. In addition, the kitchen must be clean and allow the preparation of food without contamination.
Skin
Some parasites and bed worms are able to penetrate the skin in the initial stages of their development. This is true, for example, for hookworms from our list. They develop on the soil and if the person goes barefooted, small parasites can enter the body this way.
Pet contact
Household pets may have an invasion or serve as carriers of various worms. Thus, roundworms and hookworms can be present inside the intestine of the pet. In this case, the feces are infected and the eggs may spread through the house and different items.
That is the reason for regular prophylaxis of the parasitic invasions in the pets.
Poor hygiene
Last but not least is the issue of proper hygiene. When one does not wash the hands properly before eating or after coming from the street, the chances of the invasion grow. That is because of the tiny size of the worms and their eggs that may be everywhere around us.
Sometimes the body may cope with the invasion by itself. However, if the contamination occurs again and again, the immune system becomes exhausted and the parasitic worms stay inside the body.
Symptoms of Bed Worm Parasites
It’s worth mentioning that some of the parasitic invasions proceed without any symptoms. Others have them but they are not special and often people have no idea that they feel bad due to the presence of parasitic worms in the body. Therefore, pay attention to the following symptoms and do not neglect them.
Itching
Itching may occur in different areas. If we talk about pinworms, they cause this feeling near the anal area. Still, it can occur anywhere on the skin without any obvious reason.
Skin irritation and rashes
Skin rash similar to an allergic reaction may also be a sign of a parasitic invasion. In addition, some harmless bed worms that do not enter the body still can cause this symptom.
Digestive issues
Those parasitic worms that live in the intestines often cause various digestive issues, especially when the population is quite large. This may include nausea and vomiting diarrhea and constipation and changes in appetite and body weight.
Fatigue and malnutrition
The most common and underestimated symptom of an invasion is constant fatigue. The thing is that parasites rob the body of the host of all nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This causes changes in the metabolism and results in a lack of energy.
Diagnosis
Diagnostics must be done by a healthcare provider, who does a physical examination first and then prescribes the following tests.
Stool examination
When parasitic worms live in the intestines, they and their eggs can be detected in the feces. The analysis may be required more than once, as the parasites develop and not always can be revealed at once.
Blood tests
The immune system always reacts to the presence of the invaders. This can be checked with the help of simple blood tests for the antigens of the most common parasites.
Bed Worms Treatment Options
At last, parasitic worms require special treatment. They will not disappear on their own and the invasion may last for years, decreasing the quality of life of the host.
Medications
Oral pills such as Stromectol and others are prescribed by the doctor after analysis and determination of the type of the worm. A single dose is usually enough to cure this condition. It is calculated according to the diseases and the weight of the patient.
Probiotics and digestion aids
When the intestines are inhabited by worms, then probiotics are needed to normalize their work. In addition, after the treatment, they are also helpful, bringing back the normal appetite and functioning of the digestive system.
Natural remedies
Some plants are also able to help in killing invaders. This is true for papaya and pumpkin seeds, pineapple, garlic, carrots, pomegranate and diatomaceous earth. They are helpful in expelling parasitic worms from the intestines but they do not replace the traditional medicines.
Summary
Altogether, bed worms can be various and both harmless and harmful. This depends on their type. If they appear to be parasitic worms, then diagnostics and treatment are required to get rid of them. If they are just immature forms of insects, they’ll probably bring no harm. However, proper cleaning is recommended.
FAQ
What do bed worms do to humans?
This depends on the type of the warm. Some of them are harmless, while others can bite humans or even penetrate the body and cause an invasion.
Are mattress worms harmful to humans?
Most of them are harmless but sometimes they may cause irritation and skin rash.
How do you get bed worms?
The worms may get into bed with the infected household pets or humans. In addition, mature parasites can lay eggs and contribute to the spreading of the worms.
What are these very tiny worms in my bed?
There is no one definite answer to this question given the great variety of existing bed worms. If you suspect the invasion, you will need to get diagnostics.
Are bed worms dangerous?
This depends on their type. If they are not parasitic worms, then they are harmless in most cases. If they are able to penetrate the body, then the invasion may start.
Can a bug lay eggs in your skin?
This is possible for some fleas and ticks. As for other bugs or worms, they usually do not act like this.