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There are many types of worms found in children. The most common are Threadworms. Threadworms are tiny, very thin white worms up to 13 millimetres long that live in the intestine and around the anus (bottom). They are also called pinworms. They look like small threads of white cotton, hence their name. They are widespread in Australia. Although people of any age can get them, children are the most susceptible. Where do they come from? After the eggs have been ingested they pass into a person’s small intestine (bowel) where they hatch and mature. A few weeks after hatching out these worms can reproduce — usually about a month later. When the worms are fully grown, the female comes out onto the skin around the bottom at night and lays eggs. At this time, symptoms may develop, including the classic one of a severe ‘itchy bottom’. The worms can also often be seen on bowel movements or around the anus especially at night. |
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Signs & SymptomsSome children have no symptoms at all, but some of the other signs of threadworm infection your child may show are:
MedicationMedication is available to kill the worms and this is usually prescribed for the person who is infected and all other members of the household. Usually, one dose is followed up with a second dose two weeks later to take care of any surviving worms. Zinc cream or mild antiseptic cream used around the bottom at night and in the morning can help with itching. |
TreatmentThreadworms do not go away by themselves, and people do not build up immunity to them, so they must be treated in order to eradicate them totally from the body. Suggestions to treat and prevent another infection include:
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Further Information: |
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