School-age children are exposed to a number of worms and parasites. Most parasites are extremely contagious but not life-threatening. If you think your child has a worm or parasite, contact your doctor to determine the necessary treatment.
Types and Causes
Pinworm is an infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. According to KidsHealth.org, pinworm affects millions of people each year and is commonly found in schoolchildren. Pinworm is contagious and your child can be infected by ingesting microscopic pinworm eggs that might be on contaminated surfaces or hands such as towels, clothing, toilets, toys and eating or drinking utensils.
Head lice is another common parasite found in children. Lice live in the hair and feeds on small amounts of blood from the scalp. According to KidsHealth.org, it is common in children ages 3 to 12 years old. Lice is contagious and can spread from child to child by sharing brushes or pillows.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that lives in human and animal cells, especially cats and farm animals.
Signs and Symptoms
Pinworm symptoms include itching around the rectum and restless sleep. Ringworms migrate from the small intestine to the large intestine and then to the rectum. You can see the worms in your child's anal area usually a few hours after the child has fallen asleep or in the toilet after he goes to the bathroom. Ringworm looks like tiny pieces of white thread.
Lice eggs are tiny yellow, tan or brown dots that turn white or clear after hatching. Lice eggs are found close to the scalp and hatch within one to two weeks after being laid. The adult lice are the size of a sesame seed and are grayish-white or tan. Lice causes itching and scratching and your child may also have small, red bumps on the scalp from scratching.
Toxoplasmosis spreads from touching infected cat feces, eating undercooked meat that's contaminated and eating unwashed fruits or vegetables that are contaminated by manure. The infection normally does not spread from person to person. Symptoms include a few swollen glands that usually appear in the neck and are tender to the touch.
Treatment
Pinworm does not cause any harm and does not take long to get rid of them. Your doctor will prescribe an antiworm medication that is given in one dose and repeated in two weeks.
Treatment for lice includes an over-the-counter medicated shampoo or lotion to kill the lice. Treatment usually kills the lice but may take a few days to stop itching.
Toxoplasmosis infection usually goes away within a few weeks. Children infected with this parasite don't need treatment unless they have a weakened immune system.
Prevention
Prevention for pinworm is to wash hands often, especially after using the toilet, playing outside and before eating. Showering and changing underwear daily as well as keeping fingernails short and clean helps to prevent pinworm. Keeping your hands and other surfaces in the house clean will help reduce the spread of pinworm infection to the family.
If your child has lice, wash all linens and clothing in hot water, vacuum carpets and furniture and soak hair-care items in alcohol or throw them away. The entire family should be treated to avoid the spread to other family members.
Prevention for toxoplasmosis includes cooking meats thoroughly, washing hands after handling raw meat and unwashed vegetables, washing fruits and vegetables and washing kitchen utensils with hot soapy water after each use.
Considerations
If your child is infected with a worm or parasite, follow the doctor's recommendations and continue the prescribed medication as directed. Because most parasites are contagious, prevent the parasite from spreading to other family members by washing hands often and cleaning your living area.
