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Yuk! Does my child have worms? |
Most young children will catch ‘worms’ (threadworms or pinworms) at some time. Although it makes parents cringe, the infection is not serious and is easily cured.
The infection begins when the child swallows the eggs, which hatch into worms and live in the bowel. Females come out of the bottom at night and lay tiny eggs around the opening (anus), causing an itch.
When children scratch their bottom, the eggs stick to the fingers and can be transferred to the mouth and swallowed again, leading to more worms being hatched.
Eggs can be passed to other children by holding hands and sharing toys or spread from contaminated food, clothing and bedding. They are not caught from pets.
An itchy bottom at night is the main sign of threadworms. If severe, it can cause loss of sleep, irritability and poor appetite. Threadworms don’t cause abdominal pain.
Sometimes the worms can be seen on the bottom at night, or in the poo. They look like pieces of white cotton thread, 1 cm long.
Treatment of threadworms
Medication is safe and effective. Treatments such as albendazole, mebendazole or pyrantel are available over-the-counter. Two doses are usually recommended, 2 weeks apart.
All members of the family should be treated at the same time whether they have symptoms or not. Everyone should wash their hands carefully, especially after the toilet and before eating, and try to avoid scratching.
See your doctor if symptoms do not settle.
Disclaimer:
Please note this information was correct at time of printing.
For up to date information, speak to your doctor. Source: Summer 2009 Edition | Page 4
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