Keeping Your Child Worm Free

Worm infection is a very common problem, especially among children. It occurs as children tend to put things into their mouths and are less likely to wash their hands. Though it can be treated easily, complications such as malnutrition and bowel obstruction may arise if left untreated.

There are different types of intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. The most common parasitic worm infection is by pinworms, also known as threadworms. Threadworms are small, around 2-13mm long, thin and white in colour. They infect the intestines, and are most common in children, though anyone can get it.

The Lifecycle

When a child is infected with threadworms, the female worms come out at night to lay their eggs around the anus. If he scratches the area, the eggs are transferred onto his hands and fingernails. Objects are then infected upon contact such as toys and toothbrushes. The eggs, surviving up to two weeks, are ingested when another person puts a contaminated object into his mouth. The eggs enter the body and hatch in the intestines, starting the cycle all over again.

Does Your Child have Worms?

Threadworms are not always easily identifiable. Do look out for these signs and symptoms:

• Itching of the anus, and in girls (even the vagina), especially at night.
• Adult worms can sometimes be seen in stools – thin, white, cotton threads.
• Presence of worms around the anus after the child is asleep.
• Reduced appetite, restlessness and irritability.

Harmful or Otherwise?

Threadworms are usually not harmful, often causing itchiness and discomfort around the anus. But if left untreated, it may cause further complications. As parasites, the worms make it difficult for the body to absorb vital nutrients, which then leads to problems in cognitive and physical development, vitamin A and iron deficiency, anaemia and other malnutrition problems. Heavy worm infestation may also cause mild abdominal pains while young girls may suffer from vaginal discharge and problems with passing urine should the worms lay eggs in their vagina or urethra.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Threadworms are usually detected with the “tape test” – a piece of clear tape is patted on the skin around the anus to collect the eggs and confirmed via microscope. All family members will be treated, regardless if they show symptoms or not, to avoid possible infection. Medication such as the chewable Mebendazole tablet is taken to kill the worms in the intestines. This is followed by hygiene measures to prevent infection and re-infection.

Keeping the Worms Away…

Preventing the infection from spreading takes a few simple steps and hygienic practises.

• Clean all nightclothes, underwear and bedding after treatment.
• Ensure you child washes his hands before meals and after using the restroom.
• Keep his fingernails short.
• Stop him from biting his nails and scratching his anal area.
• Make sure your child wears a clean pair of underwear every day.
• Bathe him in the morning to reduce egg contamination.