Threadworms

The term threadworms is used to describe roundworms that live in the intestine and are more commonly called pinworms, click here for pinworms treatment options. Up to 10mm long and looking similar to pieces of white cotton it is quite obvious how they became to be know as threadworms. If your child has an itchy bottom, especially at night, then threadworms could be the culprit and the infestation will continue if your child is not treated with the appropriate medicine. In addition every aspect of hygiene must be addressed from regular hand washing, frequent changing of bed linen and vacuuming bedding.

The Threadworms Lifecycle

What may be harder to do is to convince a child to stop putting their fingers in their mouth, this spreads the threadworms eggs from their bottom back into the gut so a new generation of the infestation can begin. Children of all ages from pre-school to adolescence can all become infected with threadworms and, so can adults. The whole family may become infected if a family member is infested and therefore the whole family should be treated and should adhere to the strict hygiene regime.
Although threadworms treatment is lengthy and difficult, threadworms are an annoyance more than anything more serious and are not considered to be hazardous or detrimental to a child’s general health. Tiredness and tantrums are perhaps the most dramatic effect of a threadworm infestation along with the possibility of a sore itchy bottom. Other negative health impacts are the increased risk of spreading fecal matter around the house and into the mouth which could lead to upset stomachs and more severe cases of illness.

Spotting threadworms and taking action

Watch out for sleepness nights, itchy bottom and possibly vagina in girls and a general malaise or bad moods. You are more likely to spot threadworms during the night hours with a torch. This may be unsettling for a child so try to keep things as normal as possible although parting the bottom cheeks and shining a torch into your off springs anus may seem a little odd to them! Try not to frighten them and say things like “EEK” or “EWW” if you do spot the small white worms which mat well be moving. You can also get a kit to help detect the presence of threadworms and you should ask your family doctor about them.
With the right treatment threadworm will eventually disappear but you must follow the following tips to help ensure the infestation is eradicated and does not return.
The whole family should be treated even if only one member is actually diagnosed with threadworm.
Stop your children from itching their bottoms, mittens are available that can be worn at night.
Always use warm water and soap to wash you and your child’s hands.
Wash sheets and pillowcases regularly and use the boil wash setting on your washing machine.
Use a vacuum cleaner regularly to pick up eggs and worms.
Don’t blame the dog! Family pets — dogs and cats — get worms but they are completely different and cannot be transferred to humans.