Common Human Parasites

Contrary to what most people may like to think, the most common human parasites are not freeloading family members. Rather they are nasty little critters that can lead to all sorts of health problems if we aren't careful. The first real step in being able to get rid of these pesky pests is to know what they are, or at least what the more common human parasites are.

• Lice. Arguably the most common of all human parasites are the tiny little insects known as lice. The se creepy little bugs can live in all the hairy regions of the body, and have some alternate names depending on the region of the body that they live on. For example, lice that live in the pubic region of the body are more commonly known as crabs. These types of parasites feed off the blood that they can extract by biting through the skin.
• Mites. Mites (also known as itch mites, or scabies) is a tiny parasitical bug that that likes to tunnel into the skin of its victims to feed. Typically these parasites will infect the folds found in the skin, such as those found at the joints of the body, genitals, or the buttocks. These parasites are spread through close personal contact, and like to feed off the blood of their victims.
• Pinworms. Besides insects, there are worms that can act as a parasite in the human body. Of these parasitical worms, the most common is the pinworm or threadworm (at least within the United States). This parasite typically lives in the rectum or colon of its victims, and the host is usually infected through poor hygiene habits.
• Cryptosporidium. This waterborne parasite is only a single cell, and can usually be found within the small intestine of its host. People can easily contract this parasite through the consumption of contaminated water or undercooked meat. The host will usually experience watery diarrhea within a week of being infected, and then proceed to other symptoms.

Now that you know what some of the more common human parasites are you can keep an eye out for signs of parasitic infection. In the even that you think you have parasites showing up, you will want to go and visit a doctor right away. Parasites are no laughing matter, and if you do have them you should have a doctor help you safely remove them as quickly as possible.