Worm and parasite infections are among the diseases with a relatively high number of cases, especially in a tropical country like Vietnam. There are many cases where the disease is detected at a late stage, when parasites have already invaded the bloodstream due to ignoring many minor symptoms. This causes patients to face many difficulties and expensive costs during the treatment process. So, what are the common symptoms of worm and parasite infections? Let’s find out with Medic Sai Gon through the article below.
Common and easily overlooked symptoms of a worm infection
In reality, the symptoms of a worm infection are not always as clear as many people think. It is not always true that a worm infection will cause abdominal pain or abnormal bowel movements. On the contrary, the majority of cases show very vague manifestations, easily confused with skin allergies, stress, or mild digestive disorders.
Therefore, many people are subjective and ignore the body’s “early warning” stage. By the time it is discovered, the parasites have existed in the body for a long time, even affecting the liver, eyes, or immune system. Below are the typical signs you need to pay special attention to.
Prolonged full-body itching both day and night
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Prolonged full-body itching both day and night
This is one of the most common symptoms of a worm infection, but it is also easily confused. Patients often think they have weather allergies, food allergies, or sensitive skin that causes itching.
However, the difference lies in the fact that this itching sensation has no clear cause, appears scattered throughout the body, and is persistently prolonged. Especially, many people notice that the itching increases significantly at night – the time when parasites are more active.
The use of conventional anti-allergy medications often does not bring clear results, causing the condition to linger. If you have ever fallen into the situation of “endless itching without knowing why,” then this is the time to think about the possibility of a parasite infection.
Persistent prolonged itching, leaving scars after scratching
When the itching is uncontrolled, the natural reflex is to scratch. And this continuous scratching creates a vicious cycle: the more you scratch, the more the skin is damaged, and the more it is damaged, the more it itches.
Many people only realize when looking back that the dark spots, small scars, or rough skin patches caused by long-term scratching have become too numerous. This is no longer a short-term manifestation but a sign indicating that the condition may have lasted for weeks, or even months.
Furthermore, if you only take care of the skin externally without finding the internal cause, it is almost impossible to completely resolve the problem.
Itching in the corners of the eyes
Unlike skin itching, itching in the corners of the eyes is often very mild and therefore easily overlooked. Many people just feel a little uncomfortable, rub their eyes a few times, and that is it. In addition, diseases such as allergic rhinitis and sinusitis also cause itching in the corners of the eyes, making it even easier for us to ignore.
However, in reality, this is one of the symptoms of a worm infection related to dog roundworms (Toxocara). This type of parasite can migrate to many organs, including the eyes. In the early stages of a dog roundworm infection, the patient usually does not have any clear symptoms. By the time clear symptoms appear, vision has already been affected. Therefore, minor signs such as prolonged eye itching should not be taken lightly.
Severe itching of the scalp and face at night
A rather “special” type of itching is itching concentrated in the scalp and face area, especially at night. Patients often describe a sensation of something crawling lightly or stinging under the skin, which is very uncomfortable but shows no obvious lesions.
This is one of the symptoms of a worm infection that may be related to threadworms (Strongyloides) – a type of parasite capable of surviving for a long time in the body thanks to its auto-infection mechanism. Because there are no rampant manifestations, many people ignore it; only when the condition is prolonged and affects their sleep and daily life do they begin to find out the cause.
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Right hypochondrial pain due to a liver abscess
If skin manifestations are “surface” signs, right hypochondrial pain is a deeper warning inside the body.
Patients may feel a dull ache or heaviness in the liver area, sometimes not too painful but prolonged and uncomfortable. In some cases, this symptom is accompanied by fatigue, loss of appetite, or a mild fever.
This could be a sign related to an amoebic liver abscess or a liver fluke infection. Once this group of symptoms appears, examination and diagnosis should not be delayed because the risk of complications is entirely possible.
Right hypochondrial pain due to a liver abscess
No itching symptoms but experiencing weight loss, digestive disorders, and poor appetite
Not all patients infected with worms have itching symptoms. In fact, there are many cases with absolutely no skin manifestations, but the body “speaks up” in other ways.
Patients may find themselves having a poorer appetite, getting full quickly, experiencing bloating or prolonged digestive disorders without a clear cause. Weight decreases gradually, the body is fatigued, yet general health check-ups do not detect any obvious medical conditions.
Parasites invade the body silently and are very easily overlooked. Therefore, taking deworming medication and getting regular health check-ups are extremely necessary.
Why are worm and parasite infections becoming increasingly common in the community?
One of the reasons why parasite infections are appearing more and more is due to modern eating and lifestyle habits. Eating out, consuming raw vegetables, rare meats, undercooked seafood, or drinking unhygienic iced water inadvertently creates conditions for parasites to invade the body. Many people think they “eat clean,” but in reality, there is still a risk if the food source is not strictly controlled.
Therefore, parasitic infection is no longer a rare issue but is becoming a quite common condition. Especially in areas where sanitary conditions are not guaranteed.
When should you get tested for parasites?
If you notice your body having prolonged abnormal signs as mentioned above, especially unexplained itching or persistent digestive disorders, getting tested is necessary. Testing not only helps determine whether there is a worm infection but also helps identify the exact type of parasite for an appropriate treatment plan.
Because routinely taking deworming medication does not guarantee complete safety. Once these types of parasites have invaded the bloodstream, they are very difficult to eliminate.
Medic Sai Gon Clinic, a reputable parasite testing address in Da Nang
The symptoms of a worm infection are usually not too pronounced, but they silently affect your health if prolonged. Proactively getting checked early will help you avoid many unnecessary risks.
Currently, there are many clinics offering parasite testing services, including Medic Sai Gon. We provide a parasite testing package for more than 20 different types, helping to detect most of the common worms and flukes in humans today.
See more: At-Home Laboratory Sample Collection Service for Expatriates
Contact the Clinic immediately for timely consultation and support
Medic Sai Gon Diagnostic Clinic in Da Nang
Address: 97 Hai Phong, Hai Chau, Da Nang
Email: phongkhammedicsg@gmail.com
Hotline/Zalo/WhatsApp: 0914 496 516
