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How to treat worms in child


Kids Health Information : Worms

This fact sheet is available in the following languages: Chinese (simplified),  Chinese (traditional) and English.

There are many different types of intestinal worms, but the most common is threadworm (also called pinworm). Threadworm is a type of roundworm that is commonly found in preschool and school-aged children, however the whole family can become infected.

Threadworm causes a very itchy bottom, which is usually worse at night. If your child is infected with threadworm, it is not usually serious and can be treated easily with medication.

Signs and symptoms of threadworm

If your child has threadworm, they may:

  • have an itchy bottom, which may become red and inflamed from scratching
  • be irritable and generally ‘out of sorts’
  • not sleep very well
  • have a reduced appetite.

In girls, there may also be redness and itching around the vaginal area. (Threadworms may cause or worsen vulvovaginitis in girls. See our fact sheet Vulvovaginitis.)

You may be able to see threadworm if you examine your child at night. Take a torch, separate your child’s buttocks and look carefully around the anus (and the opening to the vagina in girls). You might see tiny white threads that may be moving.

How is threadworm spread?

Threadworm gets its name because the worms look like white threads, which are about 1 cm long. The worms live in the lower intestine, but they come out of the anus over night to lay their eggs in the area between the buttocks, which causes your child’s bottom to feel very itchy. It is estimated that one female threadworm can lay up to 16,000 eggs.

Threadworm is spread when children scratch their bottom, causing the eggs to collect under the fingernails. The child then carries the worm eggs back to their mouth with their hands. The eggs can also be spread indirectly, in food, dust, or other items. The eggs can survive up to two weeks outside the body.

Once your child swallows threadworm eggs, the eggs hatch in your child’s small intestine and the worms travel down to their anus.

You cannot catch threadworm from animals.

Care at home

You can talk to a pharmacist about over-the-counter treatment options. Drugs such as pyrantel (Combantrin) or mebendazole (Banworm) are very safe and often recommended. Follow the instructions on the packet, bearing in mind special precautions may be given for children under two years of age and for pregnant women.

  • Treat all the family members at the same time, even if they aren’t showing any symptoms. Adults can also get threadworm.
  • If possible, your child should have a shower on the night they have the medicine, and again the next morning to remove the eggs laid during the night.

Unfortunately, repeat threadworm infection is very common. To help reduce this and to prevent the threadworms from spreading to others, you can take the following precautions:

  • Despite the itching, encourage your child not to scratch their bottom. If they must scratch, make sure it is over their underpants and not directly on their skin.
  • Keep your child’s fingernails clean and trimmed. Try to stop your child from biting their nails or sucking their thumb.
  • Have your child wash their hands and under their nails thoroughly after going to the toilet.
  • Wash your child’s bedding, towels and toys in hot water.
  • Vacuum your floor often to remove any eggs. 
  • Clean surfaces in your house that your children may touch, in particular door handles.
  • Discourage your child from eating food that has fallen on the floor.

When to see a doctor

If you have tried a threadworm treatment for your child and their symptoms have not improved, take them to your GP. The doctor will examine your child and may want to do blood or faeces (poo) tests. Also take your child to the GP if:

  • your child passes a large worm
  • they have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or low energy levels.

Key points to remember

  • Threadworm is common in preschool and school-aged children.
  • Threadworm causes very annoying itching in the area between a child’s buttocks.
  • It’s easy to treat threadworm with the right medication.
  • There are precautions to prevent threadworm spreading and reinfecting.

For more information

  • Kids Health Info fact sheet: Vulvovaginitis
  • Kids Health Info fact sheet: Stopping the spread of germs
  • Raising Children Network: Worms
  • See your GP, Maternal and Child Health Nurse or pharmacist.

Common questions our doctors are asked

Do I need to to worm my children and my pets at the same time?

No. Humans cannot catch threadworm from animals.

Is ringworm and threadworm the same thing?

No, ringworm is not actually a worm at all. It is a fungus that needs to be treated with anti-fungal medication.

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital General Medicine and Infectious Diseases departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed September 2020.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.

Threadworms - Illnesses & conditions

See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts

  1. 1. About threadworms
  2. 2. Symptoms of threadworms
  3. 3. Causes of threadworms
  4. 4. Treating threadworms

About threadworms

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasitic worms that infect the large intestine of humans.

Threadworms are a common type of worm infection in the UK, particularly in children under the age of 10.

The worms are white and look like small pieces of thread. You may notice them around your child's bottom or in their poo.

They don't always cause symptoms, but people often experience itchiness around their bottom or vagina. It can be worse at night and disturb sleep.

Read more about the symptoms of threadworms.

When to seek professional advice

Pharmacy First Scotland: Threadworm treatment from your pharmacy

If you have threadworms you can get advice and treatment directly from a pharmacy. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland's Service Directory.

Search for a pharmacy near you

If you think you or your child may have threadworms, you can usually treat the infection yourself with medication available at pharmacies without a prescription.

You only need to see your GP if you think you have threadworms and you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you think your child has threadworms and they're under 2 years old. In these circumstances, the recommended treatment is usually different.

Severe or persistent threadworm infections can cause:

  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • skin infection around the anus if bacteria enter any scratches caused by itching – wearing cotton gloves while sleeping may help prevent this
  • difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
  • bedwetting

In such cases, you should seek further advice from your GP. In very rare cases, threadworms can spread outside the intestine to the urinary tract or liver, or the vagina or womb in girls or women.

How threadworms are spread

Threadworms lay their eggs around an infected person's anus (bottom), usually at night. Along with the eggs, the worm also secretes a mucus that causes itching.

If the eggs get stuck on the person's fingertips when they scratch, they can be transferred to their mouth or on to surfaces and clothes. If other people touch an infected surface, they can then transfer the eggs to their mouth.

Threadworm eggs can survive for up to 2 weeks before hatching. If the eggs hatch around the anus, the newborn worms can re-enter the bowel. Eggs that have been swallowed will hatch inside the intestine. After 2 weeks, the worms reach adult size and begin to reproduce, starting the cycle again.

Read more about what causes threadworms.

Treating threadworms

If you or your child has threadworms, everyone in your household will need to be treated as there's a high risk of the infection spreading. This includes those who don't have any symptoms of an infection.

For most people, treatment will involve taking a single dose of a medication called mebendazole to kill the worms. If necessary, another dose can be taken after 2 weeks.

During treatment and for a few weeks afterwards, it's also important to follow strict hygiene measures to avoid spreading the threadworm eggs. This includes regularly vacuuming your house and thoroughly washing your bathroom and kitchen.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, hygiene measures are usually recommended without medication. This is also often the case for young children. 

Read more about treating threadworm infections.

Preventing threadworms

It's not always possible to prevent a threadworm infection, but you can significantly reduce your risk by always maintaining good hygiene and encouraging children to do the same.

Children should wash their hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet and before mealtimes. Kitchen and bathroom surfaces should be kept clean.  

If your child is infected, encouraging them not to scratch the affected area around their anus or vagina will help prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of the infection spreading to others.

Symptoms of threadworms

Threadworms often go unnoticed by people who have them.

However, they can cause intense itching around the anus (and the vagina in girls), particularly at night when the female worms are laying eggs. This can disturb sleep.

In some cases, you may spot threadworms on your bed clothes or sheets at night, or you may notice them in your stools. The worms look like threads of white cotton and are about 1 centimetre long.

Causes of threadworms

A threadworm infection is passed from person to person by swallowing threadworm eggs.

A female threadworm can lay thousands of tiny eggs around the anus or vagina. The female threadworm also releases mucus, which can cause an itchy bottom.

Scratching the anus or vagina, or wiping them after going to the toilet, can cause the eggs to stick to your fingertips or under your fingernails.

If you don't wash your hands, the eggs can be transferred to your mouth or on to food or objects, such as toys and kitchen utensils. If someone else touches a contaminated object, or eats contaminated food and then touches their mouth, they'll become infected.

After the eggs have been swallowed they pass into a person's intestine, where they hatch. After about 2  weeks the threadworms will have grown into adults, at which point they'll reproduce and the cycle of infection will start again.

Transferring eggs

Threadworm eggs can be transferred from your anus (or vagina) to anything you touch, including:

  • bed sheets and bed clothes
  • flannels and towels
  • children's toys
  • kitchen utensils
  • toothbrushes
  • furniture
  • kitchen or bathroom surfaces

Threadworm eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks.

As well as being swallowed by a person who touches a contaminated object or surface, threadworm eggs can also be swallowed after being breathed in. This can happen if the eggs become airborne – for example, after shaking a contaminated towel or bed sheet.

Animals and pets

Threadworms only infect humans and aren't spread in animal faeces. However, there's a small risk that threadworms can be caught from pets if the animal's fur becomes contaminated with eggs after an infected person strokes it. If another person then touches the animal's fur, the eggs could be passed on to them.

Who's at risk?

Threadworm infections most commonly affect young children because they often forget to wash their hands and they share toys with other children.

People who are in close contact with someone with a threadworm infection also have a high risk of infection. This is why all members of a household need to be treated when someone has a threadworm infection.

Read more about treating threadworms.

Treating threadworms

To treat threadworms successfully, all household members must be treated, even if they don't have any symptoms. This is because the risk of the infection spreading is very high.

The aim of treatment is to get rid of the threadworms and prevent reinfection. This will usually involve a combination of medication to kill the worms and strict hygiene measures to stop the spread of the eggs.

The main medication used to treat threadworms is available from your local pharmacy without a prescription. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions as it isn't suitable for everyone.

Medication

Mebendazole is the main medication used to treat threadworm infections. It can be bought over the counter from your local pharmacy or prescribed by your GP. It's available as a chewable tablet or a liquid.

Mebendazole works by preventing the threadworms absorbing sugar, which means they should die within a few days.

This medication is 90-100% effective at killing the threadworms, but it doesn't kill the eggs. This is why the hygiene measures outlined below should also be followed for 6 weeks.

Visit your pharmacist if the infection continues two weeks after treatment. They may recommend a second dose of medication.

In rare cases, mebendazole can cause abdominal pain or diarrhoea, particularly if the threadworm infection is severe.

Hygiene measures

Strict hygiene measures can help clear up a threadworm infection and reduce the likelihood of reinfection.

The lifespan of threadworms is approximately 6 weeks, so it's important that hygiene measures are followed for at least this length of time. Everyone in the household must follow the advice outlined below.

  • wash all night clothes, bed linen, towels and soft toys when you're first diagnosed – this can be done at normal temperatures, but make sure the washing is well rinsed
  • thoroughly vacuum and dust the whole house, paying particular attention to the bedrooms – this should be repeated regularly
  • carefully clean the bathroom and kitchen by damp-dusting surfaces and washing the cloth frequently in hot water – this should be repeated regularly
  • avoid shaking any material that may be contaminated with eggs, such as clothing or bed sheets – this will prevent eggs being transferred to other surfaces
  • don't eat food in the bedroom – you may end up swallowing eggs that have been shaken off the bedclothes
  • keep your fingernails short – encourage other members of your household to do the same
  • discourage nail-biting and sucking fingers – in particular, make sure children don't suck their thumb
  • wash your hands frequently and scrub under your fingernails – it's particularly important to do this before eating, after going to the toilet, and before and after changing your baby's nappy
  • wear close-fitting underwear at night and change your underwear every morning
  • bathe or shower regularly – it's particularly important to bathe or shower first thing in the morning: make sure you clean around your anus and vagina to remove any eggs
  • ensure everyone in your household has their own face flannel and towel – don't share towels
  • keep toothbrushes in a closed cupboard and rinse them thoroughly before use

Children can easily pick up another threadworm infection from friends or at school, so maintaining good hygiene may help prevent reinfection.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Medication isn't usually recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Instead, you should follow the hygiene measures above.

See your GP if you're more than 3 months pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding and you continue to experience problems after only taking hygiene measures. In certain circumstances, your GP may consider prescribing medication.

Children under 2 years old

Make sure you wash your baby's bottom gently but thoroughly every time you change their nappy. Also wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing their nappy.

Mebendazole isn't licensed for use in children under 2 years of age, but GPs may decide to prescribe it off-label for children over 6 months.

If medication isn't used, the hygiene measures outlined above are recommended instead.

Worms in a child - causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of helminthiases in children

Helminths in a child, often called worms, are parasites that survive at the expense of the carrier and harm him. Once in the body of a person or animal, they provoke a long-term and diverse symptomatic condition - helminthiasis.

Most often observed helminthiasis in children, accounting for about 80-85% of all cases of infection. In most cases, the disease is disguised as other pathologies of an infectious and non-infectious nature, which makes it difficult to diagnose. At the same time, in sick babies, a decrease in the functional activity of the immune system is observed, and the effectiveness of vaccinations decreases. All this together can provoke the development of complications, up to life-threatening conditions.

What is the danger

Worms in a child are parasitic organisms that absorb nutrients, vitamins and other components needed by the body, instead of itself. They secrete their own waste products that have a toxic effect. Also, parasites in a child can attach to the tissues of various organs, causing bleeding and inflammation. All this leads to dangerous phenomena:

In this regard, timely diagnosis of parasitic invasion and strict adherence to appropriate therapy are important for the further well-being of the child.

How infection occurs

Cysts, eggs and larvae of parasites act as the primary source of infection for the baby. They are ubiquitous in the environment, and therefore can be found in any place and conditions, which is especially dangerous for children who tend to actively explore the world around them.

Worms in a child can appear by penetration of eggs in one of the following ways:

  1. After interacting with pets (domestic or agricultural).

  2. When intentionally or accidentally forgetting to wash hands.

  3. Through consumption of undercooked or unwashed food.

  4. As a result of being bitten by an infected insect.

  5. By drinking unfiltered or unboiled water.

  6. While swimming in open water with occasional ingestion of water.

Classification options

There are several ways to classify helminthiasis in children. The first is based on the way in which the organism is infected:

  1. Contact - associated with incomplete or completely violated compliance with household hygiene, as a result of which mature eggs penetrate through contaminated hands and things. This category includes enterobiasis and hymenolepiasis.

  2. Geohelminthiases - associated with the process of maturation of eggs in soil conditions and their subsequent ingestion with unwashed hands, contaminated water or food. Include ascariasis, strongyloidiasis, ankylostomiasis.

  3. Biohelminthiases - transmitted through interaction with animals or insects, in the organisms of which the larval forms of some worms mature. This group is represented by taeniasis, opisthorchiasis, schistosomiasis, echinococcosis and a number of other forms of the disease.

In accordance with the place chosen for the localization of parasites in a child, the following forms are distinguished:

  • intestinal;

  • pulmonary;

  • fabric;

  • hepatobiliary.

Another classification is based on the type of worms that cause helminthiasis in children:

  1. Roundworms cause nematodosis, ascariasis.

  2. Tape parasites cause cestodosis.

  3. Fluke worms are characterized by trematodosis.

Notably, hookworms are the most common type of parasitic infection seen in younger children.

The last classification is related to the division of the course of helminthiases into phases:

  1. Acute - lasting 2 weeks - 2 months. It is accompanied mainly by allergic reactions in response to the antigens of the parasite that has entered the body.

  2. Chronic - more than 2 months. It is associated with increasing symptoms and deterioration of the general condition of the child due to the toxic and traumatic effects of the results of the vital activity of worms.

Asymptomatic helminthiases, which are the most dangerous, are isolated separately. Due to the high risk of late detection of parasites, this form of the disease can become a source of many disorders, up to disability or death of the child.

Clinic of the state

Worms in a child are characterized by a variety of symptoms, since it depends on the type of worms and the characteristics of their effect on the body. General features of the clinical picture are represented by various combinations of symptoms:

  • increased appetite;

  • weight loss;

  • unstable chair;

  • feeling of nausea, most often without vomiting;

  • pain in the right hypochondrium;

  • dizziness and headaches;

  • weakening of nails and hair;

  • itching around the anus;

  • belching;

  • myalgia;

  • cough, often dry with dyspnea and soreness, rarely with hemoptysis;

  • arthralgia;

  • allergic reactions to food;

  • restless sleep;

  • irritability turning into hysteria or aggression;

  • decreased concentration.

More specific symptoms accompanying worms in a child with a particular species can be represented by:

  1. Enterobiosis - increased urination at night, grinding of teeth.

  2. Ascariasis - swollen lymph nodes, liver and spleen, fever, low blood pressure, photophobia and nightmares. Often develop diseases of the respiratory system such as pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma.

  3. Trichuriasis - slowing down of physical and intellectual development.

  4. Opisthorchiasis - fever, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash.

  5. Hymenolepiasis - rhinitis.

  6. Toxocariasis - keratitis, ophthalmitis, choking cough, chorioretinitis, swelling of facial tissues.

  7. Diphyllobothriasis - anemia, intestinal disorders, pain in the abdomen.

Despite the fact that some worms in a child are accompanied by specific symptoms, they do not develop immediately and sometimes completely block the focus of attention at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, it is important that the clinical picture is fully evaluated by a specialist.

In infants, symptoms of helminthiasis may be present as early as a few weeks after birth if the infection came from the mother during childbirth. At the same time, the following are noted:

  • lack of weight gain;

  • profuse salivation;

  • rashes;

  • blanching of the skin;

  • appearance of blueness under the eyes;

  • constipation;

  • increased anxiety, cries with a blue phenomenon;

  • disturbed sleep;

  • bad food.

Detection measures

To confirm or refute helminthiasis in children, the doctor can combine the following diagnostic measures:

  • general blood examination and serological testing;

  • smear from the perianal zone;

  • examination of feces for the presence of eggs and dysbacteriosis;

  • radiography;

  • magnetic resonance or computed tomography;

  • endoscopy with sampling of material from the duodenum for examination;

  • ultrasound;

  • taking a sample of epithelial or muscle tissue for examination;

  • allergy tests.

Therapeutic approach

If a child is found to have worms, a three-phase treatment is required, including:

Preparatory phase

Getting started is based on the use of sorbents to remove toxins and cleanse the body. Together with them, antihistamines can be used to combat local symptoms in the form of itching and prevent hypersensitivity to drugs.

Treatment

The basis of therapy is anthelmintic medicines with one of 3 killing effects directed:

These medicines are available in tablet form, as well as suppositories and suspensions. They are selected taking into account the species of the parasite, the severity of the invasion, the age and general condition of the child. Two-phase preparations can be prescribed, which first destroy the worms themselves, and then the larval forms and eggs. At the same time, an important part of the main treatment is a one-time deworming of the baby and his family or the team in which he was.

If helminthiasis is caused by tapeworm or echinococcus, surgery may be required to remove the parasites. And with some complications, therapy is supplemented with hormonal drugs from the group of steroids.

After drug therapy against parasites, a follow-up examination is mandatory to confirm the elimination of helminths.

Purification and recovery phase

Purification period is aimed at ridding the child's body of dead helminths. For this, sorbents and choleretic preparations are used, enemas are made. Also at this time, a diet correction can be used with the addition of:

  • raw carrots;

  • fermented milk products;

  • 90,002 wholemeal breads;

  • fish oil;

  • nuts (walnuts and peanuts).

With a pronounced weakening of the body, all this can be combined with vitamin and mineral complexes, immunostimulants.

What are the prognosis of the disease

If the worms in a child are detected in a timely manner and appropriate therapy is started, the prognosis is favorable. But after the onset of recovery, it will be necessary to take preventive measures to avoid re-invasion:

  • observance of all aspects of hygiene;

  • minimizing contact with unfamiliar pets;

  • the use of exclusively pure and properly processed foods.

Possible consequences in the absence of therapy

When worms are observed in a child, but therapeutic measures are absent, or the doctor's prescriptions are not fully observed, the following complications of helminthic invasion are possible:

  • intestinal obstruction;

  • jaundice due to obstruction of the biliary tract by accumulations of parasites;

  • epileptic seizures;

  • inflammatory processes: pancreatitis, appendicitis, hepatitis, encephalitis, gastroduodenitis, infections of the reproductive system;

  • skin lesions: pyoderma, eczema;

  • developmental delay;

  • acute pulmonary insufficiency;

  • blurred vision, strabismus;

  • severe allergic reactions with the risk of developing Quincke's edema;

  • traumatization of the intestinal wall with an outcome in the development of peritonitis.

Features of prevention

In order to minimize the risk of primary or re-development of helminthiasis, a number of preventive measures are required:

  • carefully monitor compliance with hygiene standards.

  • systematically take care of the child's toys - wash and clean them.

  • cut your baby's nails regularly.

  • counteract the occurrence of bad habits such as sucking a finger, pen, pencil or biting the nail plates;

  • to teach the child to drink exclusively filtered or boiled water, to eat washed or thermally processed foods.

  • regularly carry out a wet and thorough cleaning of the house, using disinfectants.

  • avoid swimming in dubious places and unknown open waters.

  • use repellents and affordable ways to get rid of insects in the house.

  • systematically carry out deworming of pets, take them for preventive examinations.

  • change bedding regularly, making sure to iron it on both sides.

In addition, specific prophylaxis with broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents can be carried out. The recommended frequency for such events is 2 times a year, in the autumn and spring seasons.

Appointment

Our clinic employs highly qualified gastroenterologists and pediatricians, who can be reached at a convenient time by appointment. They will conduct a thorough examination of the child, prescribe an appropriate examination, which can be quickly completed in our laboratory, and draw up a treatment regimen. To make an appointment, just fill out the form on the website, use the callback function or call the clinic yourself.

Questions and answers

Which specialist should I contact with helminthiasis?

Parasitologists, general practitioners and paediatricians identify worms, develop a treatment plan and supervise a patient with helminthiasis. In doing so, they can consult or team up with gastroenterologists, allergist-immunologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, infectious disease specialists and surgeons.

How do helminths harm a child?

Worms have a damaging effect on all body systems, causing various problems:

  • erosive phenomena in the gastrointestinal tract;

  • immunosuppression;

  • severe allergic reactions.

At the same time, they provoke a deficiency of vitamins, trace elements and nutrients.

Is it possible to infect a baby from a pet?

Pets can act as vectors for helminths. Therefore, it is important to regularly deworm animals, monitor their interaction with the child and teach the baby to follow the rules of hygiene after playing with a pet.

Symptoms, treatment and prevention of worms in children. The most popular antihelminthic drugs — Dobrobut Clinic

Symptoms, treatment and prevention of helminths in children

In medicine, helminths are called worms that lead a parasitic lifestyle in the body of their host - a person. Both adults and children are susceptible to infection with worms, there are many types of these parasites, so it is important for parents to know the symptoms of helminthiasis in children, as well as methods for its treatment and prevention.

Types of helminths

Doctors distinguish three main classes of worms:

  • nematodes (round) - roundworms, pinworms;
  • cestodes (tape) - echinococcus, bovine and/or porcine tapeworm;
  • trematodes (flat) - flukes.

Of all the presented types of helminths, pinworms are most often found in childhood, which can cause enterobiasis. Quite often at children roundworms also come to light.

Signs of worms in children, diagnostic methods

The symptomatic picture of infection with worms is always variable, it all depends on what kind of parasites the child was infected with. If the infection occurred immediately with a large number of worm eggs, then a significant deterioration in health may occur as early as the second day. But if the infection occurred in a “light version”, then the signs of worms in children may be completely absent for a long time, or be non-specific.

The first symptoms of helminthiasis in children include:

  • periodic fever;
  • poor sleep, depressed mood and tearfulness;
  • stool disorder - there may be constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain and rumbling;
  • disruption of the digestive system - nausea and vomiting, bloating;
  • allergic manifestations - itching, small rashes.

It is worth noting some specific signs of helminthiasis - for example, if there was an infection with helminths such as pinworms, then there will be nocturnal anal itching and scratching of the skin around the anus. But when infected with ascaris, cough, symptoms of bronchitis and swollen lymph nodes will be specific signs.

To diagnose helminthiasis, doctors do a stool test for helminths, a complete blood count, and a scraping for pinworms. Additional diagnostic methods may also be prescribed - for example, ultrasound examination of internal organs, radiography.

Tests for worms do not always show the presence of them in the body, so specialists can prescribe a three-fold passage of all studies.

More information about what symptoms will indicate the presence of worms in a child and what helminth eggs look like can be found on our website https://www.dobrobut.com/.

Treatment of helminthiasis in children

Any drug for helminths is highly toxic, so they should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and in a strictly prescribed dosage so as not to harm the child. The most famous drug for the treatment of helminthiasis is Piperazine, which has a narrow spectrum of action and "works" only against nematodes. Its effect is to have a paralytic effect on adult worms, but the eggs and larvae do not suffer. Worms are excreted from the child's body with feces, without releasing toxins. If the child is diagnosed with the presence of too many helminths, then this drug will be ineffective. How to get rid of worms with Piperazine, as well as the exact dosage and schedule for taking the drug, the doctor will indicate - self-medication in this case is categorically inappropriate.

Another fairly effective drug is Pirantel, which can be used for children from the second half of life. These deworming pills for children are prescribed as a single dose, but in most cases, doctors recommend taking them again after 2-3 weeks. Pirantel is most often used to treat helminthiasis in children under the age of 3 years.

Treatment of worms in children over 2 years of age is carried out with Vermox, which is effective against most varieties of helminths and is able to destroy even a large number of them. True, Vermox has powerful side effects - abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, hair loss and various allergic reactions.

Children over the age of 3 years for the treatment of helminths are prescribed Decaris - a powerful drug that has the widest possible spectrum of action. This drug is very toxic, causing the death of many helminths at once, which will necessarily be accompanied by severe intoxication.

Please note that there are many ways to get rid of worms with a variety of herbs and foods. Turning to traditional medicine should not be a priority, since only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis, find out what type of helminths struck the child, and, based on these data, prescribe adequate treatment.

Whether a child has worms and needs treatment should be determined by a doctor. Parents are also tasked with taking preventive measures.

Preventive measures

Prevention of worms in children is a simple matter and does not require any special knowledge. Parents only need to follow some rules: