A Parent’s Guide to Parasites and Worms

Believe it or not, many different kinds of worms and parasites can infest the intestinal tracts of children. Sometimes, children can be infested with worms and parasitic organisms for months or years without a parent’s awareness. This article provides a general guide for parents to understanding parasites and worms in their children.

The most common worms that infect children are pinworm, round worm and the whip worm. Pinworms are white, threadlike worms, measuring one half to three quarters of an inch. They may look like little grains of rice. They frequently come out of the rectum and deposit eggs on the mucous lining and skin around the rectal area. Round worms are much larger, anywhere from six to eight inches long and from 1/8 to 1/4 inches around.

Symptoms for various infestations of worms and parasites vary and can be mild or severe. There may actually be no symptoms or complaints at all. Parents may notice a poor appetite, or poor or slow growth and development. Additionally, there may be complaints of abdominal pains, occasional diarrhea, or bloody, tarry stools. Itching or scratching around the rectal area can be a problem – especially with pinworms and especially at night when a child is trying to get to sleep. A parent may even notice the worms and know there is an infestation.

All of these infestations caused by worms and parasites can be confirmed by either finding samples of the worms either around the anal tissues or examining a sample of the child’s stool under a microscope to determine the exact species of parasite. A doctor will perform an examination and order the testing in order to determine exactly what the problem is. There are actually over 100 different types of worms and parasites that can become infested in the human body. Upon diagnosis, the doctor will then prescribe the appropriate medications and/or treatment.

While not all worms and parasites can be prevented, there are things parents can do to help reduce the risk. Washing and cleaning all fruits and vegetables, and cooking meat thoroughly at the recommended temperature is a start on the road to prevent. Additionally, drinking clean water and keeping the living environment clean and practicing good hygiene can also help. Encourage your children to wash their hands often – especially after playing with animals or outside. It is also important to keep pets healthy and de-wormed. The healthier and stronger your child’s immune system, the less likely he or she will be to become infested with worms and parasites.