Worms in children: symptoms, causes and how to treat them naturally

The small roundworms or pinworms that mainly affect the children of young age they lodge in the intestine and cause various discomfort Being able to affect the rest and development of the little ones if adequate measures are not taken. Fathers and mothers we can learn preventive natural care to avoid contamination and the development of this parasitosis, as well as the care of the whole family.

In this article We are going to discuss the symptoms, care and natural remedies and foods that we can have at home in this situation more common than it seems. Did you know that adults who had worms as children can still have them?

Small worms in children: what are they like

When we talk about small wormss we generally refer to pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis): they are nematode-type worms, whitish in color, shaped like an elongated and thin spindle, small in size (between 3 and 12 mm long) that live in the intestine. In this article, we will deal with pinworms.

It is essential to know that there are other intestinal parasites in addition to those mentioned in this article. exist other similar worms, that can live in the intestine ascari callss(Ascaris lumbricoides), are somewhat larger in size and cause a picture of manifestations that It can be more serious by affecting various organs. Always consult a specialist if you suspect that your son or daughter might have worms.

symptoms of worms in children

Some symptoms may indicate that a child may have roundworms of the pinworm type:

Other symptoms that make us think that our son or daughter may have worms are restlessness, irritability, nervousness, poor sleep, moving too much at night. As you get to know your children, you realize that they are more irritable or restless than usual and you don’t know what is wrong with them. In reality, they feel bad, they cry and are irritable, they don’t know what’s wrong with them… “and it’s not just age.”

Itching in the anus. It is the first symptom that usually appears. The itching is usually more intense at night when the boy or girl is in bed, because that is when the females come out to lay their eggs in the skin around the anus (perianal area). Restlessness at night.

Itchy nose. You may also notice that their nose itches and they touch it frequently, such as when they have runny nose or rhinitis. They may have the swollen tummy andlose appetiteBaggy eyes.Bruxism. Some children grind their teeth (bruxism) at night, but it does not mean that bruxism always indicates that they may have worms, it can occur for other reasonsWounds in the perianal area. Scratching in the perianal area can cause irritation and small wounds that also bother during the day, cause scratching and can become infected by bacteria, which worsens the situation.Vulvar discomfort in girls. Girls may complain of vulvar discomfort such as irritation and itching. In rare cases, pinworms can pass into the vagina, uterus, or urinary tract.

If the symptoms are perceived and there are suspicions, remember that you have to look at the underwear and the perianal area. Sometimes the small worms are seen: they are short between 3 and 12 mm, white, they look like little pieces of thread or fine wool. Some people find them in their underwear in the morning.

If there are doubts because you do not see the worms, a specific analysis must be carried out to see if there are eggs and/or worms and classify if they are pinworms or roundworms. Pinworms do not usually come out with the stool; However, the roundworms, which are larger, do They can be seen in the feces. Eggs can only be seen under a microscope.

Generally, when children have already had worms on other occasions, we know the symptoms and act more quickly.

How do you get small pinworms?

The way of contact is through the eggs that other children or adults can eliminate. Where are they?

The food irrigated or grown on uncontrolled land of health can be a source of pinworm eggs and other parasites. We have to pay close attention. The pplayground, sand, rugs, carpets, bedding, underwear and pajamas, surfaces and utensils, contaminated food or that the person who already has worms may have touched… are places where Worm eggs or pinworms can be kept for a few days.

When touching contaminated areas with hands, the eggs can get under the fingernails. By putting their hands to their mouths, biting their nails… they swallow the eggs and contamination occurs.

After the females lay their eggs in the perianal area, It can take one to two months for the small worms to form in the intestine and the cycle repeats in which the females can lay eggs again in the perianal area. It is important to keep this in mind to be aware of the possible new generation and cut or minimize the reproduction cycle.

Therefore, the situation sometimes requires special care for a few months. Generally the treatment is carried out for 7 to 10 days and is repeated every month, and again a month later if necessary. At the end of the articles you will find some important points to help you during the treatment period.

worm treatment for children

If you suspect worms in children, it is important to consult a specialist. can recommend anthelmintic drugs. If this is the case, remember that it is very important to do the treatment well and repeat it as indicated within the expected period of time.

On the other hand, there are foods that have vermifuge or anthelmintic properties. against worms, both pinworms and roundworms. Among the most prominent are: garlic, raw pumpkin seeds and the inner skins of the pomegranate.

If it is the case that there are already worms, the moment in which these foods are eaten is important, since worms feed on what we eat and it reaches them through the intestine. It is interesting that they are “hungry” and that is why it is better eat these foods on an empty stomach in the morning or let about three hours pass after eating.

Garlic

If garlic is used when you have worms, keep in mind that it is not easy for children to eat raw garlic. Some people chop raw garlic and “without chewing” swallow the pieces. There are special products in liquid extracts or pearls that do not have a strong taste or smell.

Garlic allicin is the most prominent active principle against worms. Remember to follow the instructions indicated for its use. On the other hand, remember that the garlic that you have cooked loses its function in this case. “Cooked garlic, lost garlic” goes the saying and in this case, it is applicable.

pumpkin pipes

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent option to prevent and treat worms. They contain specific active ingredients of the alkaloid type called cucurbitin. that paralyzes the worms facilitating their elimination. I used to give my son a handful of pumpkin seeds every once in a while.

When they are little, first you have to teach them to chew pumpkin seeds well. If they don’t know or can’t chew well, to avoid choking, you can crush or grind them and give them right away. The pipes have to be raw, not toasted. Take care that they are fresh and that they have not gone rancid if you have had them at home for a long time.

If you use the pumpkin seeds when there are already worms: take a handful every day, on an empty stomach in the morning or wait about three hours after a meal.

Grenade

The inner skins of the pomegranate are another favorite of mine. I also taught my son to take them as if they were escarole, as a prevention. While I split and shelled the pomegranate, I gave him bits of the skin to chew, I also did it so he could see me. The truth is that I still do. When it’s pomegranate season and I prepare a pomegranate to eat alone or in a salad, I add part of the inner skins and leave them to eat along with the pomegranate grains and other ingredients.

If you already have worms you can prepare to eat inner skin every day.

Care when a child has small worms

It is important to watch that there is no constipation and that they have bowel movements at least once a day. Avoid sugar, pasta and fats. It is a time to try, for example, arugula, artichokes, dandelions: taking more fiber will help intestinal transit, promotes the release of bile and thus the elimination of worms.

Salads or juices can be prepared with melon or papaya that help facilitate intestinal transit and help eliminate worms.

Regarding the care of irritated skin: a cream with calendula oil, washes with camomile infusion compresses at body temperature can help soothe irritated perianal skin and minimize possible infections.

General care to prevent contamination or recontamination

When children have worms and scratch their bum, by doing this they can recontaminate themselves since the eggs remain under their nails and since it is not uncommon for them to suck their fingers… they swallow the eggs and thus the contamination cycle continues. In girls there may be involvement of the genital area as mentioned. The following care is very important:

Keep your nails short and clean. Do not bite your nails.Wash hands frequently, especially before eating, after going to the bathroom and after playing in the street or on the ground.Wash food well maintain hygiene in the kitchen. Avoid foods of unhealthy or unsafe origin. Maintain adequate hygiene in underwear.Teaching girls to clean themselves from front to back (from the genital area to the perianal area) and not the other way around. If someone at home has worms: wash clothes in water over 55º. High temperatures destroy eggs. Let sunlight into your house, hang clothes in the sun if possible: pinworm eggs are sensitive to sunlight.Wash bedding, underwear and pajamas every day for at least 7 – 10 days.Clean surfaces and utensils well such as doorknobs or door handles.It is not recommended to have rugs or carpets in small children’s play areas due to the greater difficulty in keeping them sanitized. If someone in the house has worms, take the same care for everyone. Finally: do not feel ashamed if you or your son or daughter have worms. It is more common than it seems.