Common Parasites in Humans: Pinworms, Threadworms, and Everything You Need to Know

Think you have parasites? You’re probably right. Parasites are far more common than most people realise and the topic is often avoided because it seems embarrassing and taboo, yet they affect millions worldwide. In this article we are going to break down the different signs and symptoms to look our for and give you all the info you need to feel empowered to sort out your worms. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as you think. Let’s get started.

Which parasite is the most common?

Out of all of the human parasites, Pinworms and threadworms are among the most common. They can infect both adults and children and are very easy to spread. These tiny organisms can cause a wide range of symptoms, from digestive discomfort to surprising issues like brain fog, broken sleep and food cravings. Most people think if your bum isn't itchy you are in the clear, but this is not the case! Understanding how parasites work, how they spread, and how to safely cleanse them from the body is essential for long-term wellness.

What Are Pinworms and Threadworms?

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) also known as threadworms, are small, white worms that live inside the human intestines. They are highly contagious and spread through microscopic eggs that can survive on surfaces, clothing, bedding, and even in the air for short periods. Children are especially vulnerable because of close contact in schools and play environments, but adults often catch them from their kids or through contaminated food and water. 

Chances are, if you haven't done a pinworm cleanse before, it’s time to worm the entire family.

How do parasites affect our body? Why is it important to parasite cleanse and clear them out?

Parasites survive by feeding off their host which means that you have unwanted guests at your dinner table every night stealing all of your food (in this case nutrients). Pinworms consume nutrients in the intestine and then excrete waste into your blood stream which is a lose lose for the host (you).. This can cause all sorts of symptoms and depending on how long you have been infected with pinworms, symptoms can worsen over time. As if that is not enough, these worms then lay an exuberant amount of eggs which spread quickly from close contamination and poor hygiene. Children are extremely susceptible to pinworms and threadworms as they are less likely to wash their hands, practice good hygiene and often play in sandpits, roll around on the ground and touch animals. 

Why we need to eliminate pinworms from the body. They can:

• Steal nutrients from our bodies, leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies (iron very common)

• Irritate the intestinal lining, causing inflammation and flare IBS symptoms

• Release toxins that burden the liver and immune system

• Disrupt sleep and mood by irritating our nervous system

This explains why symptoms can range from digestive issues to fatigue, irritability, and even skin problems. Our gut and our brain are directly connected and as most of the immune system lives in your gut bacteria, having parasites like pinworms in the gut can have a massive negative affect on the entire body’s ecosystem.

So where do we get them? How do we get pinworms, threadworms and most other parasites?

Top 10 Ways Humans Get Parasites

1. Eating undercooked meat or fish (raw sushi is a big one!)

2. Drinking contaminated water

3. Poor hand hygiene

4. Contact with infected surfaces (toys, bedding, sandpits, clothing)

5. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil

6. Swimming in untreated water sources

7. Close contact with infected individuals

8. International travel to high-risk regions (third world countries)

9. Handling animals or livestock

10. Consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables

What are the most common signs you have pinworms? This is what to look out for. Some of them may surprise you - but the symptoms reverse quite quickly after you do a para-cleanse.

Top 10 Symptoms of Parasites in Humans

You don’t need to have an itchy bum to have parasites, many pinworm infections go undetected because of this. Check the list below to see if it's time to do a cleanse.

1. Itchy anus (especially at night) - try the tape trick!

2. Digestive issues and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (bloating, diarrhea, constipation)

3. Fatigue and low energy (sleeping but still waking up tired?)

4. Sleep disturbances, vivid dreams and constant wakes

5. Irritability and mood swings, aggression and (+ ADHD symptoms in children)

6. Unexplained weight loss or even weight gain

7. Skin rashes, breakouts or itching

8. Reduced appetite and abdominal pain

9. Teeth grinding at night

10. Abdominal Pain

5 Surprising Symptoms You May Not Realize Can be Parasite-Related

1. Brain fog and poor concentration

2. Sugar cravings

3. Joint pain and inflammation

4. Iron deficiency anemia

5. Allergies or asthma-like symptoms

Staggering Statistics on Pinworms Worldwide

Pinworms are the most common worm infection in humans. Studies estimate that up to 1 billion people worldwide carry pinworms, with infection rates as high as 66% in children aged 5–10. Reinfection is common, which is why cleansing protocols must be repeated to break the cycle. Many chemists sell more chemical worm “chews” for a one time solution, however these are not actually going to solve the issue as the eggs and lifecycles of the worms need to be eradicated. They are also harsh on the gut, often contain sugar and can cause further issues.

Why Herbal Cleanses are the Most effective treatment for Pinworms and Threadworms

Parasites are naturally a part of life and clearing them from the body is not going to be a one time occurrence. For digestive and optimal wellbeing, we need to be parasite aware and cleansing the body regularly when these symptoms arise. For parents with children or people with pets or those who live with high exposure due to travel or other reasons, parasite cleansing may be something you look to do quarterly or with regular maintenance. For this reason, we recommend a natural approach with herbs that are traditionally used to help remove these pests from the body and support equilibrium in your intestines. These are backed by science and thousands of years in ancient medicine yet they are gentle enough not to disrupt good gut bacteria.

Happy Bum ParaClear is the best choice for treating pinworm and threadworm as it has an evidence based formula with herbs traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to help remove intestinal threadworms, pinworms and relieve flatulence.

ParaClear Ingredients and what they do:

Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)

• Contains thujone, which paralyzes worms.

• Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine for intestinal parasites.

Juglans nigra (Black Walnut Hull)

• Rich in juglone and tannins, creating an environment hostile to parasites.

• Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine as a remedy for digestive cleansing.

Syzygium aromaticum (Clove)

• Contains eugenol, which kills parasite eggs and larvae.

• Complements wormwood and walnut by targeting the full lifecycle.

Why they work best together:

• Wormwood kills adult worms.

• Black walnut expels them.

• Clove destroys eggs and helps relieve flatulence (gas). This three-pronged approach prevents reinfection.

How to complete a pinworm parasite cleanse protocol based on the ParaClear:

30 day ParaClear Pinworm Parasite Cleanse Protocol: 10 Days On, 10 Days Off, 10 Days On Again

• Phase 1 (Days 1–10): Active cleanse with Happy Bum ParaClear.

• Phase 2 (Days 11–20): Rest period to allow eggs to hatch.

• Phase 3 (Days 21–30): Second cleanse to eliminate newly hatched worms.

This cycle ensures all stages of the parasite lifecycle are addressed. This is not medical advice, this is general advice only. Please contact your healthcare provider for individual advice.

Children and Safety

Pinworm infections are most common in children. Herbal cleanses can be safe but must be age-appropriate:

• Ages 2–5: See label for dosage

• Ages 6–12: half adult dosage.

• Ages 12+: adult dosage.

Always pair with hygiene practices: handwashing, nail trimming, and daily bedding changes.

For children, it may be easier to hide the drops in a glass of juice, yogurt or other beverage so they do not recognise the taste.

Parasite Die-Off Symptoms

When you start a parasite cleanse, it is common to experience what is known as “die off” symptoms. These often make us feel worse before we feel better. When parasites die, they release toxins. This can cause:

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Skin rashes

• Mood changes

These symptoms are temporary and indicate the cleanse is working. Supporting detox pathways reduces discomfort but can also help to eliminate the worms you are killing off more swiftly. During this time it is especially important to ensure the bowels are opening each and every day. Toxins that are not eliminated will get reabsorbed back into the blood stream for recirculation thus semi-defeating the purpose.

Coffee enemas, garlic or even water enemas can be very helpful during this process to open the bowels and support the parasites to exit the body. We also recommend taking a binder such as Gut Scrub (diatomaceous earth) to help absorb the unwanted gas and left over toxicity from the cleanse.

How Do You Know When the Pinworms/Parasites are Gone?

Once you complete the protocol of 10 days on, 10 days off and 10 days on again it is likely you should start to see the following changes:

• Disappearance of itching and digestive issues.

• Improved skin

• Improved sleep and energy.

• No visible worms in stool.

• Sustained wellbeing after cleanse.

If you do not get the desired results or you still feel as though your body is releasing worms and you are not clear. You may want to revisit the cleanse again and continue the process. Not everyone responds the same way and each persons needs and experience may vary.

How Often Should You Parasite Cleanse?

As a general rule, this is what we recommend for keeping on top of the parasitic load in the body. Again, this may vary the higher the exposure or symptoms you have. 

• Children: only when symptomatic or diagnosed.

• Adults: 1–4 times per year for prevention and treatment when symptomatic.

• High-risk groups: more frequent cleanses may be beneficial.

Supporting the Body During a Parasite Cleanse

Gut Scrub (Diatomaceous Earth)

• Food-grade DE binds toxins and damages parasite exoskeletons.

• Helps flush them out safely.

Coffee Enemas

• Stimulate bile flow, opens the bowels and assists parasite removal

• Support liver detoxification and glutathione production

• Supports constipation and bloating relief

• Water or garlic enemas may also be beneficial

Probiotics (Gut Food)

• Restore gut flora balance

• Help build and support the immune system to fight off invaders

Hydration (Coconut Water preferred)

• Essential for flushing toxins

• Supporting the bowels to empty and 

Nutrient Support

• Vitamin C, zinc, and herbal teas to strengthen immunity

• Gut Food is also loaded with wholefoods, prebiotics and protein

Recommended Natural Remedy: Happy Bum ParaClear

This timeless formula combines wormwood, black walnut, and clove which are the traditional powerhouse herbal trio for parasite and pinworm removal.

Restoring Gut Balance With Parasite Cleansing

Parasites are a very common issue in society today and at first this might sound daunting, but one you break it down doing regular and symptomatic parasite cleansing is quite manageable. By recognizing symptoms, understanding how infections spread, and committing to a structured cleanse with natural remedies like Happy Bum ParaClear, you can restore balance to your gut and protect your family’s health. Supporting the body with binders, enemas, probiotics, and nutrient-rich foods ensures the cleanse is effective and comfortable. With the right approach, you’ll not only eliminate worms but also strengthen your overall wellbeing and ultimately will experience a much happier, lighter and healthier you!