Hookworms live all over the world: from the Americas to Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Hookworms are also most likely to be found in areas where human waste is regularly used as compost or other household waste. The name “hookworm” comes from the fact that the hook-shaped worm grows on the skin (or scab) of an animal. The scab then falls off after the worm feeds and a new scab develops. The new scabs can be used again by the worm as it grows.
Hookworm is not a medical condition. However, the worm feeds on the blood of animals, including humans.
Although you have probably seen this worm crawling on the skin of dogs and cats, there are no health risks associated with this infestation of the skin. The skin infection is often associated with other diseases like tapeworms, head lice and ringworm, which can cause severe health problems, especially in children and older adults.
Humans are more likely than animals to contract hookworms because of their warm, wet climates. In the US, hookworms are also more common in parts of North and South America.
These organisms grow on the skin of animals, particularly mammals, such as cows, horses, and deer. They also live on many species of reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, and mollusks, so it’s possible to get them on your pet. They can survive for quite some time on the skin of these animals without showing any signs of the infection. When they do show symptoms, they are usually similar to other skin infections, including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and cramping.
To make matters worse, hookworms can also cause serious health problems if not treated promptly by a physician. These health risks include: skin infections, such as ringworm, skin irritation, skin rashes, skin lesions, etc., eye infections, blood clots in the veins, chronic anemia, arthritis, heart problems, intestinal obstruction, and skin damage to the ears and eyes, etc. Some people may develop neurological problems if untreated.
If you suspect that you may have hookworms, see a doctor right away to make sure. Once diagnosed, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the faster you will be able to treat the infection and get rid of the worm as well.
Although there are plenty of over-the-counter medications available, there are other alternatives to treatment, including surgery, as well. Also, you can try a home remedy for a quick fix.
There are several natural methods for treating and curing the infection.
One way to remove the infection is through topical application. This can be done by using garlic, mustard, or tea tree oil. Other home remedies include eating yogurt that contains lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help kill the bacteria that causes the disease.
Another very effective way to get rid of this fungal disease is to drink water that has been boiled, rather than tap water. Boiled water contains a chemical called bute.
This chemical is what kills the parasites, preventing them from reproducing. so it’s an effective way to control and eliminate this problem.
In addition to drinking lots of water, washing your hands often with soap and warm water is another good way to prevent the infection from spreading. When you go outside, always wash your hands before touching the infected area. The same is true when you bathe your pets.
As with any type of infection, prevention is always better than cure. Remember, prevention is better than the cure.
If you have more severe cases of hookworm, doctors may recommend a prescription. There are medications available, as well as over-the-counter products, that you can apply directly to the affected area. If the infection is extremely bad, you may need to see a doctor. Many times people have to see a specialist to get rid of this type of parasite.
In some serious cases, there may be multiple treatments to help eradicate the infection and prevent it from returning. This is when doctors may have to amputate part or all of the affected area. This is a serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible.
A good thing to know about hookworm is that the best thing to do is prevent the infection from happening at all. The best way to avoid it is to keep your pets and children away from the infected area. Also, don’t let children play near places where the worm eggs are likely to hatch. Hookworms do not occur in fresh water.