There are many types of intestinal worms but the most common one in children is the threadworm. Threadworms (also called pinworms) are a type of roundworm that can infect your child’s intestinal system. They aren’t particularly dangerous but can cause your child discomfort.

The main symptom of a threadworm infection is itchiness around the anus and/or the vagina. Children with worms will scratch this area compulsively and this may cause the area to become red and inflamed. Other symptoms to watch out for are loss of appetite, grumpiness and trouble sleeping. In some cases, the worms will be visible around the anus or in the toilet after your child makes a poop. The worms look like small white 1cm long threads. 

If you are unsure whether they have worms, take them to visit the doctor. They could do a sticky tape test, which involves putting a clear piece of tape over your child’s anus then removing it and sending the tape to the lab. At the lab, they will look for eggs under a microscope to make a diagnosis. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD HAS WORMS

Your doctor will prescribe antiparasitic tablets or syrup but you can get them over the counter if you suspect an infection. The medication for worms is generally harmless, but you should consult your doctor before giving them to children under two years old or pregnant women. It is best that everyone in the family takes the antiparasitic since it can easily spread between family members. The course should be repeated after 2 weeks to make sure that the worms, that were eggs during the first dose, are killed after they hatch and before they lay new eggs. 

Threadworms move to the anus at night to lay their eggs. This causes itchiness and scratching. When children scratch, the eggs get transferred to their hands and can get caught under their fingernails.

From their hands, the eggs can land up on a variety of surfaces such as clothes, towels, eating utensils and toys. When the eggs get into a child’s mouth and they swallow them, the eggs will hatch and infect their intestines.

The best ways to prevent worm infections are:

• Keeping your children’s fingernails short.
• Washing their hands thoroughly after using the toilet, playing outside and before eating.
• Teaching your child not to scratch their bottom or put their fingers in their mouth.
• Ensuring they use clean underwear every day.
• Ensuring they shower/bath every day (bathing in the morning is better for getting rid of worm eggs).

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely avoid worm infections. It is recommended that families with children from age 1 should preventatively deworm together every 6 months. Dewormers can be in a liquid form that you can give to your young children for three days and you can get these over the counter at the pharmacy.

WHEN TO WORRY

If your child passes a large worm, complains of abdominal pain or nausea, has low energy levels, or starts vomiting, these are signs of a more serious infection and you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.