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WORMS
Threadworms
affect about half of all children at some stage. 'Itchy bottoms' are the main
symptom. Threadworms are about half an inch long, approx. 1.5 cm, as thin
as thread and white in colour. Worms lay their eggs around the anus. This
causes itching. The eggs get into the child's fingers and under their nails
when they scratch. In this way they can easily spread to other children or
get back into the intestines through the mouth. New worms then develop from
those eggs.
Some worms can cause stomach-ache or weight loss.
Roundworms
look like pale earthworms. They are browner in colour and can grow up to 12
inches (30 cm) in length.
Roundworms are common in India and other tropical countries.
Tapeworms are very rare. They grow to be many meters long and cause weight loss.
Worms can be caught from meat which has not been heated enough or from animal faeces (sand play pits!).
Roundworms can be caught from poorly washed or heated vegetables.
What can you do?
Even though worms are annoying and look nasty, worms are in fact harmless.
With worms it is often necessary to treat the whole family. Wash your hands
every time you go to the toilet and before each meal. Keep the nails short
and clean. Avoid finger contact with the nose and mouth. Wash bed linen, underclothes
and nightwear in a hot wash or iron them with a hot iron. Use separate face
flannels and bath towels for upper and lower body. Change the hand towel in
the toilet regularly. With tapeworms and roundworms treating the carrier is
enough. Ask a pharmacist for a suitable preparation.
Adult Threadworm
Contact your doctor:
