If you've ever dealt with skin parasites, gut parasites, or even those pesky mites that seem impossible to get rid of, you know how frustrating they can be. With all the talk about hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a powerful antimicrobial and disinfectant, you might be wondering—can it kill parasites too?
What Is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring compound produced by white blood cells to fight infections. It’s been widely used in wound care, skincare, and disinfection because of its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi while being gentle on human skin. But when it comes to parasites, the answer is a bit more complex.
Does Hypochlorous Acid Kill Parasites?
Hypochlorous acid is incredibly effective against bacteria and viruses, but parasites are a different beast. Unlike bacteria, parasites are complex organisms, sometimes even multicellular, making them harder to kill with simple disinfectants. Some studies suggest that HOCl can help reduce microbial activity in certain protozoan parasites, but it’s not a guaranteed solution for all types of parasites, especially those that burrow into the skin or reside in the gut.
What Parasites Might HOCl Affect?
Protozoan parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba): Some studies indicate that HOCl can disrupt their cell membranes, but it may not completely eradicate them.
Ectoparasites (mites, lice, scabies): HOCl may help soothe skin irritation and reduce bacterial infections that often come with these infestations, but it likely won’t kill the parasites themselves.
Helminths (worms, tapeworms, roundworms): These are much too complex for HOCl to kill outright.
What Can Kill Parasites?
Since hypochlorous acid isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for parasites, here are some proven alternatives:
For Skin Parasites:
Tea Tree Oil: Known for its natural antiparasitic properties, tea tree oil can help kill mites, lice, and scabies. Always dilute before applying.
Sulfur Soap: Used for centuries to treat scabies and other skin parasites, sulfur helps dry out and kill mites over time.
Permethrin Cream (Prescription): The gold standard for scabies treatment.
For Gut Parasites:
Garlic & Black Walnut: Herbal remedies with antiparasitic properties, often used in traditional medicine.
Antiparasitic Medications (Albendazole, Ivermectin, Metronidazole): These are prescribed based on the type of parasite you have.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): Some people swear by this natural powder for eliminating intestinal parasites.
For Waterborne Parasites:
Chlorine & Filtration: Cryptosporidium and Giardia are resistant to many disinfectants but can be removed through proper filtration and high-dose chlorine treatment.
Boiling Water: The most effective way to kill parasites in drinking water.
Should You Use HOCl for Parasites?
While hypochlorous acid is fantastic for cleaning wounds and preventing secondary infections caused by bacteria, it shouldn’t be relied upon as a primary treatment for parasitic infections. If you suspect a parasitic infection, whether on your skin or internally, consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment options.
If you want a high-quality, lab-tested HOCl spray that’s safe for you, check out our Hypochlorous Acid Spray on Amazon Canada or Amazon USA.
Want to learn more about HOCL? This blog about whether hypochlorous acid kill Candida might interest you. Check it out!
DISCLAIMER:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor before starting any new treatment for parasitic infections.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Parasites - General Information. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/index.html
Gordon, C. A., McManus, D. P., Jones, M. K., & Gray, D. J. (2019). The immunobiology of schistosomiasis. Nature Reviews Immunology, 19(7), 499-513. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-019-0169-2
Kou, G., Jiang, J., Xiao, R., & Wang, Z. (2021). Effects of hypochlorous acid on bacterial and protozoan infections. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 58(2), 106377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2021.106377
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