What are the symptoms of worms in humans?

These symptoms can come and go, which is why it’s hard to be definite that you have a worm infection - usually it’s dismissed as minor stomach bugs or a dietary issue. However, if digestive problems persist without a clear cause, parasites may be worth considering.

Another notable sign is losing weight without trying. Worms consume nutrients from the food you eat, which can leave your body deprived even if your appetite remains the same or increases. This happens because the parasites compete for essential vitamins, minerals, and calories.

You might notice:

• Steady weight loss despite normal eating habits
• Increased hunger without weight gain
• Feeling weak or undernourished

Persistent tiredness and low energy levels are common but often overlooked symptoms of worm infections. When your body isn’t getting enough nutrients, it struggles to produce energy efficiently.

You might feel:

• Constant fatigue, even after adequate sleep
• General weakness
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• In some cases, worms can also cause anemia (low iron levels), especially if they feed on blood, which further contributes to exhaustion.

Itching around the anus is a classic symptom, particularly associated with certain types of worms like pinworms, which is a type of roundworm. The itching is often more intense at night and can disrupt sleep. This symptom is especially common in children but can affect adults as well.

It occurs because female worms lay eggs around the anal area and this triggers irritation and itching.

You also might notice:

• Restless sleep
• Frequent waking during the night
• Scratching leading to skin irritation or infection

In some cases, worms or their eggs may be visible. This can be alarming but is a clear indicator of infection. While not all infections are visible, spotting worms is a strong sign that medical treatment is needed.

You might notice:

• Small white worms in stool
• Worms around the anal area
• Unusual particles in underwear

Worm infections can affect appetite in different ways depending on the type of parasite and the individual. These changes can seem subtle at first but may become more noticeable over time.

Some people experience:

• Increased hunger due to nutrient loss
• Reduced appetite due to digestive discomfort
• Cravings for unusual foods

Persistent stomach discomfort is another key warning sign. The pain may vary in intensity and location depending on where the worms are living in the body.

Common symptoms include:

• Dull aches in the abdomen
• Sharp or intermittent cramps
• Tenderness when pressing on the stomach

This pain may worsen after eating or during certain times of the day.

Worm infections can sometimes trigger skin problems or allergic reactions due to the body’s immune response.

Possible signs include:

• Rashes or hives
• Itchy skin
• Eczema-like irritation
• Swelling in certain areas
• In some cases, larvae from worms can travel through the skin, causing visible tracks or localised irritation.

Sleep problems are often linked to worm infections, particularly when itching or discomfort worsens at night. Poor sleep can then contribute to fatigue, irritability, and reduced focus during the day.

You may notice:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Frequent waking
• Nighttime restlessness
• Grinding teeth during sleep (bruxism), which is sometimes associated with parasites

Since worms absorb nutrients from you, deficiencies can develop over time, especially if the infection goes untreated. Common deficiencies include iron (leading to anemia), vitamin B12 and other essential vitamins and minerals

Symptoms of deficiencies may include:

• Pale skin
• Hair thinning or loss
• Brittle nails
• Dizziness or shortness of breath

Although less common, some types of worms can migrate through the lungs during their life cycle. This can cause respiratory symptoms or a persistent cough. Because these symptoms resemble common respiratory conditions, they are often misdiagnosed.

Respiratory symptoms include:

• Dry cough
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

The connection between gut health and mental well-being is well established. Worm infections can affect mood due to discomfort, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies. In children, this may show up as behavioural changes or reduced attention in school.

Possible emotional or psychological signs include:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating

When your body is constantly dealing with parasites, the immune system can become strained. This may make you more susceptible to other infections.

Signs include:

• Frequent colds or illnesses
• Slow recovery from infections
• General feeling of being unwell

When to seek medical attention

If you suspect a worm infection, it’s important not to ignore the symptoms. While some infections are mild, others can worsen if left untreated. 

Diagnosis is usually straightforward and may involve stool samples or other simple tests.

You should consider seeing a healthcare provider if you experience:

- Persistent digestive problems
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue
- Anal itching, especially at night
- Visible worms or eggs

How do you get worms?

You can get worms from contaminated food or water, not washing your hands after handling faeces, or from children or pets. If your kids or pets have worms, they will show similar symptoms to you. It's important to treat all those in your household with worms, as infection could continue to be passed around. As you would yourself, see a doctor or health specialist to medicate against worms in children. For households, especially where one person is infected, it may be necessary to treat multiple members to prevent reinfection.

For pets, get rid of worms with Itch Wormer Tablets for Cats or Itch Wormer Tablets for Dogs. Both these vet-approved worming treatments kill all common intestinal worms in pets and prevent worms from coming back when taken regularly, on repeat. 

So you might have caught worms from your pet, but how has your pet got worms? Click here to find out how pets get worms!

Worm infections in humans can range from mild to disruptive, but they are often manageable once identified. The challenge lies in recognising the symptoms early, as many overlap with more common conditions.

By paying attention to changes in digestion, energy levels, skin, and sleep patterns, you can catch potential issues sooner. If something feels off and doesn’t resolve on its own, it’s always worth checking with a medical professional.

Awareness is the first step toward better health and in the case of parasites, it can make all the difference.