There are many different types of worm, but the most common in the UK is the threadworm. These are usually ingested in unwashed fresh fruit and vegetables contaminated with the worm eggs. These then hatch in the intestine, growing into adults after about twenty-eight days. The female worms then lay eggs around the anus, usually at night, causing itching. If your child then scratches around the anus area and his or her hand later goes into the mouth and the eggs are swallowed, the cycle begins again. Eggs can live for up to three weeks in bedding. Symptoms include itching around the anus, white thread-like worms in the stools or around the anus.

There is also the toxocara worm which lives in the intestines of cats and dogs and can be passed on to children if they happen to touch the egg-infested animal’s faeces and then their mouth, leading to the toxocariasis infection. The eggs hatch and the worms then tunnel through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. The cycle begins again if they are coughed up from the lungs and then swallowed. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, bouts of abdominal pain and, in rare cases, sight can be affected.

What you can do
In the case of threadworms, if your child seems to be scratching, inspect the area, particularly at night, or check your child’s stools for signs of the thread-like worms wriggling about. The whole family may need to be treated as the worms or their eggs can easily be passed on. Always make sure food is thoroughly washed before serving.

In the case of the toxocara worm, try to ensure that any pets defecate well away from where your children play. If going to parks, try to prevent children eating grass if dogs are not controlled. Encourage your child to always wash their hands after touching animals or playing in the garden. Regularly worm your pets.

Homoeopathy
A homoeopath will look at the child’s general health and hygiene and may recommend, in the case of threadworms, Cina for the intense itchiness at night. If the itchiness is causing lack of sleep at night and the child has become irritable, Teucrium may be recommended.

Naturopathy
A naturopath would encourage a balanced diet, as a diet high in sugar, dairy and meat will have a lowered resistance to worm infestation. A weak digestive system is also less resistant to infection, so problems such as constipation will also need to be looked at.

Traditional Chinese medicine
A Chinese practitioner may recommend you give your child onion and garlic as worms hate these. Pumpkin and melon seeds may also be advised as well as plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and less sugar and refined foods. A variety of herbs may be given, but as these can taste very bitter (to the worms, too) they may be ground up and made into a capsule rather than given as a drink. Other therapies that may be beneficial: aromatherapy, herbal medicine.

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