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Background

An unpleasant topic, and while no longer as common a problem as it was many years ago still one which still effects children, and sometimes adults.

Worms are like head lice, they are a parasite which means they live off a human host, and that host provides them with all they need to survive. They are easily passed between hosts. Again, like head lice, if your child should get them it doesn't mean you are a bad parent, it simply means your child has come into contact with a person or animal that has worms and they have been passed on. Most type of worm are unlikely to cause any serious or major medical problem and are easily treated.

Types of Worms & Treatment

Threadworms (or pinworms)

Although there are many different types of worm the most common in this country are threadworms, also known as pinworms. These live in the intestines, which is the part of the digestive system which is between your stomach and your bottom and live off the food you ingest. They can be seen with the naked eye, and look very similar to small pieces of "off white" cotton. They are about half an inch in length and usually cause itching around the bottom during the night. This is due to them coming out to lay more eggs while you sleep. The worms can often be seen on the faeces or the eggs can be visible around the bottom first thing in the morning. A small piece of sticky tape applied to the anus will often pick them up and again, they are clearly visible to the naked eye.

These are easily treated with a one off dose of medication, so a trip to the chemist or the Doctor is all that's required. The whole family should be treated as this type of worm is very easily transmitted by poor hygiene. A child who hasn't washed their hands properly after going to the toilet or who has eggs on their finger in the morning due to scratching an itchy bottom can leave deposit the eggs on any surface. Someone else can then get them on their hands and, via hand to mouth contact, like eating, the eggs enter a new host and we have another happy parasite.

Roundworm

A second, but much less common type of worm found in this country is the roundworm. These are much larger, like a garden worm and often give no notice of their presence, so no symptoms show themselves. Again, if it is detected by a medical professional, anti-parasitic drugs will clear it quickly.

Tapeworms

The third type is tapeworms which are, again, less common and usually give symptoms of abdominal discomfort. This type of worm is caught by eating undercooked meat or drinking contaminated water, they can grow to be quite large and as a result sap the nutrients from the food we eat, leading to the host eating well, but becoming listless and often thin. This particular type of worm can lead to complications and requires a blood test and prescribed medication, usually just one dose, to sort it out.

Toxicara

There is one type of roundworm that can cause serious problems and that is called toxicara, It is found in dog poo and in infected dog fleas and if ingested can lead to quite nasty eye problems or problems with the lungs and breathing giving asthma like symptoms. This type of worms can also cause problems to anyone who is pregnant. Toxicara worm needs a blood test to trace it, but again, is easily cured by your Doctor.

Prevention

To prevent these parasites becoming a problem, simple hygiene rules should be followed. Children should always wash their hands after going to the toilet and after touching animals. They shouldn't put their hands or fingers in their mouths if they have been playing in soil or earth and everyone should avoid dog faeces. Naturally, all responsible dog owners want to clean up after their pets when they are out, just remember to wash your hands when you get home, and especially before you eat or prepare food just in case the dog poo bag you used to clear up after your pet had a small hole or tear in it.

Finally, try to keep your garden free of doggy do's and ensure your pet is wormed regularly. Your Veterinarian will give you all the advice you need on worming and all Vets stock worming tablets.

What can be done?

For more advice on worms and animals try www.wormfree.co.uk. For further information on worms in children a good site is the NHS Direct website, which you can access using the NHS Direct link button found on the home page. Just click it and it will take you straight to that site. Alternatively, the BBC website Health Hection can help or a general internet search will give you several more sites.

The most important thing to remember about worms or any parasitic infestations is: EASILY GOT...EASILY CURED