There are some homemade options, popularly used, that can be done to remove worm, such as covering the small hole that appears in the skin with a tape or bacon, or applying nail polish, in order to prevent the worm from breathing, causing it to become infected. move to the surface of the skin, making it easier to remove.
However, it is recommended to always consult your general practitioner for an assessment of the skin and the depth of the wound, and start the most appropriate treatment, which can be done with the use of dewormers, such as ivermectin in the form of tablets, or undergo surgery. to remove the horn.
Furthermore, even if the popular techniques for removing larvae are done at home, it is important to consult a general practitioner or dermatologist to assess whether the larvae have been completely removed or whether there are signs of infection in the skin.
How to take
Some homemade ways to remove the larva consist of covering the hole in the skin where the larva is, causing it to suffocate.
The main homemade options for removing botfly are:
- Vaseline;
- bacon or bacon;
- Adhesive tape;
- Nail polish
For these techniques to be effective, the area of skin with warts must be covered for 24 hours or more.
Before removing the worm, it is necessary to clean the skin and tweezers with iodinated solution or chlorhexidine. You should not squeeze the wound to push out the larva, as this can worsen the inflammation.
The ideal is to go to the health center so that the removal can be carried out by a nurse or general practitioner, this being the safest way, as it ensures that the larva is removed cleanly and without breaking or leaving debris inside the skin, which which can cause an infection. Learn more about the symptoms of botfly infection.
How to avoid catching botfly
To avoid infection with botfly, it is important to keep the skin clean, dry and free of exposed wounds, especially in bedridden elderly people or people who live in places with a lot of fly infestation. In addition, repellent should be applied to exposed areas of the skin or covered with clothing. It is also important to use screens on windows or mosquito nets on beds.
Maintaining a clean environment, leaving trash tightly closed or outside the house, and using air fresheners also helps prevent flies from staying nearby and landing on the skin with the worm.
Homemade natural repellent recipes
A natural way to scare away flies and thus reduce the risk of any larvae penetrating the skin, is to drip 30 drops of lavender, eucalyptus or cedar essential oil into an aromatherapy diffuser or onto cotton balls, and spread the scent around the house, dripping a few drops into small bowls of hot water.
Another option is to place bowls of fresh orange and lemon peels, along with some dried cloves, to help ward off these insects. Check out other natural repellent options.
Bibliography
- BARER, Michael R. et al. Medical Microbiology – A guide to Microbial Infections: Pathogenesis, immunity, laboratory investigation and control. 19 ed. Elsevier, 2018. 635.
- SMITH, S. M. Treating infestations of the human botfly, Dermatobia hominis. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 15. 5; 512, 2015
