Treating threadworms in your toddler

​Threadworms are fairly common in young children under ten, and while not a particularly pleasant topic to talk about, you are likely to come across them at one point or another.

Also known as pinworms, they are parasites in the large intestine that lay their eggs in the anus or vagina, usually at night. The mucus they leave makes your youngster very itchy, and when they hatch the baby worms then travel back to the bowel.

The small thread-like creatures are generally harmless, but it’s best to treat them as soon as you can as they can be quite uncomfortable.

1. Signs

Your toddler complaining of an itchy bottom, particularly at night-time, is one of the first signs that your youngster has them. You might also spot them in their stools or in or around their bottom.

2. Treatment

When your little one scratches their bottom, the eggs can end up in their nails which can subsequently be swallowed so it is important you treat the worms as soon as you spot them.

Over-the-counter medicines usually kill the parasites but they won’t get rid of the eggs – something that will only go away with good hygiene.

In order to get rid of the eggs, you need to do the following:

• Wash all nightclothes and bed sheets in at least 40°
• Don’t shake bed clothes as the eggs can disperse around the room
• Vacuum and dust properly
• Wipe down counters with hot water, particularly in the bedroom, the kitchen and the bathroom
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water – supervise your children if you need to
• Don’t eat in the bedroom
• Change your kid’s underwear in the morning
• Put cotton gloves on your youngster
• Give your toddler a shower first thing in the morning to wash away the eggs