Children & Worms

What Are Worms?

Threadworms or pinworms are the most common parasitic worms in the UK. They're tiny (about a centimetre long), pale, thin worms that look like cotton threads and thrive in the intestines. Roundworms or ascaris, are the next most common worms. These are larger and look a lot more like a garden worm and also live in the intestines. Toxocara worms, tapeworms and flukes are also occasionally problematic in the UK.

Where Do Worms Come From?

Threadworms are usually picked up from infected animals. Children can pick up worms by playing on ground that has been soiled by dogs.  Children easily pick up threadworms from each other through contact with skin or objects contaminated with the eggs of worms. These enter the mouth and grow into adult worms in the gut.

Who Are Affected?

• younger children who play closely together
• children with poor hygiene, particularly those who do not wash their hands after using the toilet
• those who are exposed to animal excreta. This can cause toxocara worm infections, so cat and dog owners are at particular risk.

What Are The Symptoms Of Worms?

Itching around the anus or vulva. This situation is exacerbated at night when worms come to the surface to lay eggs.

• Worms may be visible in faeces
• Toxocara worms migrate to the eyes causing inflammation and scarring of the retina
• Worms can also move to the lungs leading to a cough and asthma and swelling in other organs

How Are Worms Diagnosed?

Threadworms can be diagnosed by seeing the worms, collecting a sample of their eggs, or by pressing a small strip of sticky tape to the skin around the child's anus as soon as they wake in the morning. Toxocara worms can be diagnosed with a blood test.

How Are Worms Treated?

 A single dose of anti-parasitic drugs are used to treat threadworms. All the family should be treated at the same time. Careful hygiene can reduce the risk of worm infections. Pets should be wormed regularly, and the garden kept clear of faeces. Children should be taught to wash their hands after playing with animals and be taught not to put soil into their mouths.