### Hookworm Infections: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention **Symptoms** Hookworms are parasites that can live in your intestines or under your skin. Many people with hookworms don’t show symptoms initially. However, as the infection progresses, you might experience: - Itchy rash where the hookworms entered your skin - Abdominal pain - Diarrhea - Weight loss - Fatigue - Anemia (due to blood loss in the intestines) **Diagnosis** To diagnose an intestinal hookworm infection, your doctor will need a stool sample to check for hookworm eggs. **Treatment** Treatment depends on the severity of the infection: - **No treatment:** In some cases, the body may clear the infection on its own, though this can take years. - **Anthelmintic medications:** These drugs eliminate parasitic worms. Common medications include albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. For skin infections, topical thiabendazole or oral medications like albendazole or ivermectin can be used. - **Supplements:** Iron supplements can treat anemia caused by the infection. Nutritional support and other supplements, including folate, may also be necessary. - **Hospitalization:** In rare cases, severe anemia and congestive heart failure may require hospital treatment. **Prevention** To prevent hookworm infections, especially in areas where the soil may be contaminated: - Avoid walking barefoot on soil that may be contaminated. - Use proper sanitation and avoid using human feces as fertilizer. - Drink clean water and eat properly cooked food. - Some developing countries offer preventive treatment (preventive chemotherapy) to high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children, and people with jobs that expose them to hookworms.