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My child has threadworms - what action should I take?.
A
Threadworms are small, thin,
white, thread-like worms. They often look like white cotton threads. They can
often be seen around your child’s anus or even in your child’s stool
in the toilet or nappy. Threadworms will not harm your child or make them ill
but they can cause some discomfort in the tummy. In girls the worms can get into
the vagina and urethra (the part where your child passes urine) and may cause
vaginal discharge and urine infections.
The most common symptom of threadworms is your child having
an itchy bottom, particularly at night as this is when the worms lay there eggs.
The intense itching is often done in your child sleep and the eggs may get under
your child’s nails -they may then swallow the eggs so are constantly re-infecting
themselves.
If you see threadworms and have a positive diagnosis, the first
plan of action is:
- See your GP or pharmacist
who will give you medicine to kill off the worms in the gut (if your child
is over 3 months old).
- Treat all household
members at the same time
- Follow strict hygiene
measures such as hand washing, personal towels etc to prevent re-infection.
- Wash hands regularly
especially in the morning and use a nail brush to clean under the nails
- Shower in the morning,
cleaning around the anus well.
- Worms can live for up
to two weeks outside the body so wash bedding, night wear and soft toys. Dust
and hoover regularly, especially the mattress around the bed and the area
where your child play
- Clean the bathroom and
toilets daily with bleach, change toothbrushes, and nailbrushes.
- Have separate towels
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