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All About Worms Although we don't like to talk about them, worms are actually very common, particularly in children. They are not a sign of poor hygiene or an unhealthy lifestyle. The first sign that your child has worms can cause panic, leading you to visit the doctor as soon as possible. However, spending time waiting for an appointment and sitting in the waiting room to see your GP or nurse may not be necessary. If you are unsure, it is recommended that you consult your doctor. Threadworms (also known as pinworms) are the most common worm infestation in the UK and can be easily treated with a single dose remedy available from your local pharmacist. This section aims to provide information on the different type of worm infestations found in children and adults, and how to identify them.Threadworm (also known as pinworm) Threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis) is a common worm infection in the UK. In fact, up to 40% of children under the age of 10 years may have threadworm1. Both children and adults can be affected, although worms are mostly found in children. The key symptom of threadworm infestation is an itchy bottom, however you may also see the actual worms. Threadworms are tiny, white worms approximately half an inch (1cm) long and look like threads of cotton – hence the name threadworms. Click here to find out more about breaking the threadworm lifecycle, threadworm symptoms and treating threadworms.More informationRingworm looks like a rash that is scaly, red and itchy. The patch is either ring-shaped or oval on the skin, and can vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. The rash expands slowly, healing from the centre, resulting in a ring-like appearance. Depending on the severity of the infection, ringworm can be treated by using an antifungal treatment, such as Daktarin Cream™ (contains Miconazole Nitrate).
Roundworm Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricides) is a common human parasite that inhabits the intestine. It is estimated that 98% of people around the world either have a nematode infestation or have had one at some time. However, roundworm is rare in the UK. More informationRoundworms differ in size from 15-30cm long and 2-6mm in diameter and can be seen in the faeces. Often there are no symptoms, however when there are more than a few worms, the most common symptoms are: abdominal discomfort and pain, nausea, vomiting, irritability, loss of appetite, and disturbed sleep. In heavy infestations of worms, the sufferer can get pneumonia or the bowel may become blocked.
Hookworm Hookworm (Ankylostoma duodenale Nector americanius) has been almost eradicated from Europe and the U.S.A. However, it is still found in tropical and subtropical areas, like Asia, Africa, Central and South America and South Pacific. More informationAnyone can be infected by hookworms, they are mostly found in people aged 15 to 25 years. Hookworms usually enter the body by penetrating the skin. The Ankylostoma worm can also enter the body if its larvae are swallowed through eating contaminated fruit and vegetables.
Tapeworm Tapeworm is a rare worm infestation in the UK. It can vary in size depending on the type of tapeworm infection, from 15cm to 8 metres. The tapeworm gets its name because its segments and body are very flat, like a piece of tape. Small segments, about the size of a rice grain, detach from the tapeworm's body and sometimes are seen in the stools. More informationThey live by drawing nutrients from the food in the gut. Health problems occur when the tapeworm becomes too large and blocks the bowel, robbing the sufferer of nutrients. There are different types of tapeworm that can be found in the intestines.
Whipworm Whipworm (Trichuriasis) is found worldwide, but is more common in warmer, wet regions. It gets its name because it looks like a whip. More informationThe infection is picked up when the worm’s eggs or larvae are swallowed by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, but they have little effect on the body. However, worms living in the appendix may cause symptoms similar to acute appendicitis. In heavy infections, there can be abdominal pain, mucous diarrhoea, blood-streaked stool and loss of weight. Treatment can be prescribed by your GP, and good hygiene, including thorough hand washing, will reduce the spread of whipworm.
What can I do? Effective treatment for threadworms is available from pharmacies. Pharmacists can also advise on how to prevent the problem from coming back. It is important to identify the type of worm and seriousness of the infestation. Simple treatments are available from your pharmacist for other worm infestations (such as threadworm). Your GP should be consulted in the case of hookworm or tapeworm that can cause additional complications. Generally, basic hygiene measures can help prevent worm infestations:
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