Internal parasites can live in the intestines for years without their human host realizing that anything is amiss. These parasites may cause no symptoms, or may prompt occurrences of abdominal pain, diarrhea and rash, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A doctor's diagnosis is necessary to determine the type of internal parasite involved and to prescribe a course of treatment. External parasites, on the other hand, can often be identified and treated at home using remedies available for over-the-counter purchase.
Over-the-Counter Pediculicides for Lice
Lice are parasitic insects that live, breed and feed on their human hosts. Purdue University's Medical Entomology department lists three types of lice that infest humans: head, body and pubic lice. Head and body lice are about one-eighth inch long, cylinder-shaped and grayish white. Pubic lice have a crab lice appearance and are commonly referred to as "crabs." A number of traditional home remedies, including vinegar, Vaseline and isopropyl alcohol, have been shown to be ineffective, according to Purdue. Lice take eight hours to drown, so submerging them in water is not a practical option. Lice can, however, be effectively treated at home with an over-the-counter insecticide called a pediculicide, available at drug stores. Use of a pediculicide at home is combined with manual removal of lice and their eggs, plus decontamination of any infested materials such as clothing, bedding and grooming tools. About a week after the initial treatment, a second treatment should be performed to kill any newly hatched larvae.
Heated Pin, Alcohol or Turpentine for Tick Removal
The tick is another bloodsucking parasite that feeds on humans. In addition to the pain and inflammation of the bite itself, ticks are capable of transmitting diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Anyone who experiences fever-like symptoms with one to two weeks after a tick bite should see a doctor. Initial removal of the tick can be performed at home. Avoid breaking off the tick's mouthparts during removal; they can remain attached and caused infection. The National Science Foundation Center for Integrated Pest Management suggests relaxing the mouthparts first by touching them with a heated pin, or using a few drops of alcohol or turpentine. Tweezers and gloves should be used for handling the tick, which can transmit pathogens through breaks in the skin. Using the tweezers, the tick can be grasped as close to the skin as possible and pulled straight out using steady pressure with no twisting. Be patient; it may take up to a minute for the tick to release. Afterward, the tick can be preserved in alcohol if desired for future identification. The bite area should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.
Insect Growth Regulators for Flea Treatment
Fleas are parasites that are most commonly associated with pet infestations, but they can and do bite humans as well. In fact, the University of Florida notes that attempts to solve a flea infestation by removing pets from a house often prompt the hungry fleas to overrun the premises, feasting on humans in an attempt to replace their lost food source. Emancipating a home from flea infestation can be achieved through the use of insect growth regulators--chemicals that go by names such as methoprene, hydroprene and piriproxyfen. These are applied to areas inside the home where infestation is heavy. Space sprays, or "bug bombs," can be used when infestations are pervasive, or when egg masses are hatching.
