How To Fight Oxyuriasis In Children

In this article, we will share everything you need to know about this condition.

Oxyuriasis is a typical disorder that occurs throughout childhood and can be very unpleasant.

It is a parasitic intestinal infection, also known as worms or baby worms. The scientific name of this parasite is  Enterobius vermicularis.

A child can become infected through inhalation or ingestion of protozoan cysts, eggs or worm larvae. Although it is an unpleasant condition, it does not pose a serious health risk.

How a child gets oxyuriasis

It is perfectly normal for a child to get worms, during their development, as they are prone to getting infections. 

After passing through the mouth, the ingested eggs will pass through the digestive system. They stop at the small intestine while the larvae continue to the large intestine.

After a few weeks, the female worms will  move forward toward the end of the digestive system, then leave the body overnight to lay their eggs.

Thanks to a special secretion,  the eggs will stick to the edge of the anus, and the skin around it. 

This is how children cyclically infect themselves, by scratching the area, and then putting their hands in their mouths.

This condition usually lasts between 1 and 2 months. Worms can be easily seen in children’s feces  as they can grow to about 10 millimeters long.

They are usually white and have an oblong shape.

Symptoms of oxyuriasis in children

Pediatricians use the Graham test to confirm oxyuriasis in children. The main symptoms of this condition  are pain and itching around the rectal opening and the genital area. 

This type of discomfort usually occurs at night when the worms come out of the anus.

When they suffer from this condition, children may show the following symptoms:

• Irritability
• Problems sleeping
• Bruxism
• Constant nightmares
• Sleepwalking  (in some cases)

How to prevent oxyuriasis in children

Since the infection, caused by oxyuriasis, can easily occur, it is important that parents take certain actions in use so that they can significantly reduce its prevalence.

With these simple caveats, you will be able to prevent your child from becoming infected. If the child already has worms in his past, you can prevent them from coming back.

• It is important to wash your hands thoroughly. This is especially true before eating time, and after going to the toilet or having a diaper changed. This should be a daily habit.

• Clean fingernails with a brush.
• Children should have short nails. This will prevent them from injuring themselves when scratching. It will also prevent eggs from accumulating under their nails.
• Do not bite nails.
• When handling babies,  it is important to clean the diaper area thoroughly. 
• Change their underwear on a daily basis.
• After confirming an infection with oxyuriasis by your pediatrician,  you should wash their clothes and bedding with warm water. You should also disinfect the toilets at home.
• Do not let your baby play in areas of the park where there may have been dogs. 

What treatment should be followed to eliminate oxyuriasis

There are very effective treatments that can be used to eliminate these annoying worms.

Although they are not difficult to treat,  infections can recur if the treatment is not performed properly. 

Your baby’s pediatrician may recommend antibiotics that can kill baby  worms after a single dose. 

However, there are no medications to eliminate eggs that may have already been laid.

Therefore, children can become infected again, and infect other people in the house.

The medicine should be repeated two weeks after the first treatment to avoid getting infected again. 

When a child becomes infected, everyone else in the home must also be treated for this condition.

We should pay special attention to how the baby is doing.

If they show signs of intestinal infections, consult their pediatrician and follow the necessary instructions to treat them.