Now here’s a thing parents never want to hear: the words “worms” and “your child” right next to each other. Unfortunately, it happens. And it’s a normal thing. What’s worse is it sometimes becomes a recurrent situation, leaving you to wonder: why does my child keep getting worms? We have some great tips for parents who must deal with getting those stubborn little wigglers out of their child’s bum. One thing’s for sure, it’s not an easy task, nor is it pleasant. But it has to be done. Here are some suggestions on how to successfully eradicate worms from your child. But first, let’s attempt to answer the questions as to why the worms keep returning.
Why Does My Child Keep Getting Worms Even After Dozes Of Treatment?
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 mouths. Once a person is infected, the whole house should undergo treatment.
Threadworm eggs 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.
So if you’re sure the house is clean, what of at school? Because he is getting infected from somewhere. If it’s not at home, then it is at school.
Even though you thoroughly clean the house, do you treat all your kids or just the infected kid?. You need to treat everyone in the household, especially all the children. So the next time you’re tempted to ask the question, why does my child keep getting worms? Ask yourself if you’ve done all that you should first.
Why Does My Child Keep Getting Worms? Because You Didn’t Eliminate Them Properly. Here’s How To Eliminate Worms From Your Child
Have a look, don’t be afraid
The first clue you might be dealing with a worm infestation is an itchy bum. If your child is complaining of itchiness around their bottom, you might want to have a look and see what’s down there. Have a look around the anus. If it doesn’t look like a rash or some other cause, then you do have to start thinking about worms.
The most common types of worms in children are the:
Thin worm
Threadworm
Pinworm
These worms are like thin little white threads. Another clue might be seeing an actual worm in the toilet. In that case, make sure you inform your doctors. They will give you the proper treatment for your child.
Get the right treatment for the infestation
Boy In Hospital Gown About To Get An Injection. Shot in studio over white with the Canon 2D.
Once you’ve determined the type of worms in your child and possibly your house, find the right treatment for it. If you’re lucky, a trip to your local pharmacy can solve this problem. Try to repeat [the treatment] about two weeks later because obviously you want to kill the worms off but you also want to kill any eggs. Certainly, once you’re giving the medication, it’s good to have a shower that night and the morning after to wash away any eggs that might be sitting there.”
Time for a house clean-up now
We suggest cleaning up the whole house to make sure you get rid off any remaining eggs:
Wash the sheets and dry them on a hot cycle or in the sun
Vacuum the whole house
Give everything a freshen-up
Why do you need to disinfect the house?
Note that the eggs can survive for up to two weeks. While worms are not a huge deal health-wise, it is a feco-oral situation. If eggs go in through the mouth, they hatch in the small intestine and come out through the anus.”
When it comes to worm infestation issues, eradication is key.
What you can do is to encourage your child to wash their hands regularly. They should also keep their nails cut closely to the skin. Most of the time, a worm infestation is handled with a quick trip to the pharmacy and a thorough house clean-up. However, sometimes it’s best to see a specialist and get a medical expert’s opinion and diagnosis.
You should consider seeking medical advice if:
A family member is under two-years-old. And if you ever felt or saw a worm that looks underneath the skin, either wriggling or raised, that’s a different kind of worm. Make sure you go to the doctor and get a proper diagnosis.
Also, read: Common parasitic infections all parents should know about
