|
Pinworms, roundworms, ringworms and hookworms are worms or fungai that commonly infect people, mostly children.
Worm infestation is common in children throughout the world. There are large worms, microscopic worms, and all sizes in between. The four most common worms that people get will be reviewed in this article.
Pinworms are microscopic. Another name for pinworms is enterobiasis. They are a fairly harmless worm medically speaking, they are just physically uncomfortable because of the intense itching they cause. Pinworms are transmitted by touching an object, such as bedding, toys, food or bedding, that is contaminated with it’s eggs. The eggs were probably left there by the hands of a child that has pinworms. Once the eggs have been transmitted to your fingertips you ingest them and they hatch in your intestines. The female worm crawls out through the anus at night to deposit her eggs. The anus is the spot of the severe itching. Pinworms are highly contagious and can spread through a classroom quite quickly. The symptoms include restless sleep with a lot of scratching. To check for pinworms in a child, use a flashlight and apply a piece of tape to the rectum. Pull the tape away and examine it for worms under a light. You may need a microscope to see the worms or the eggs. Worms can also be detected with a stool sample. Go to the doctor for a complete diagnosis and treatment. The treatment is a single dose of a medication called pyrantel pamoate and then another single dose two weeks later. Everyone in the family should be treated. To relieve the itching apply petroleum jelly to the rectum. Wash your hands often and scrub under the fingernails. Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water.
Roundworms, also known as ascariasis, are most commonly contracted in tropical climates. However, at least 4 million children in the US are diagnosed with it each year. Round worms are found in the soil, but were originally placed there through human or animal feces. The worms can live for years in the soil. When a child plays in the dirt with their hands and then puts their hands into their mouths they can get these worms. Roundworms can be diagnosed through a stool sample by your doctor. Some of the complications that can come of roundworms are nutritional deficiencies, or intestinal obstructions. Your doctor will give you a medication to kill the worm in your intestines.
Ringworm is not really a worm, but a fungus. It is still highly contagious and can be spread from person to person. They are usually transmitted via the family pet to a child. Cats are the most common carrier of these worms because the owner doesn’t usually know they are infected. When dogs get ringworm you will see the symptoms fairly soon. Their hair falls out and large bare patches will indicate you need to take them to the vet. Hair loss does not occur in cats. The symptoms on humans is scaly patches of skin and hair loss can occur. You will know you have ring worm when the scaly patch is a circle and the outer rim is formed into a ring. The doctor will prescribe an antifungal cream.
Hookworms are also placed into the soil by feces (animal or human). People get infected with their eggs by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with the contaminated soil. Even walking barefoot can cause the larvae to penetrate the skin. Hookworms are most common in the subtropics and are uncommon in the United States. Again a stool sample will need to be done to look for the eggs. Symptoms include a patchy red rash where the larvae entered the skin that itches tremendously. Also abdominal pain, loss of appetite, a bloated stomach and diarrhea. Your doctor will give you a medication to get rid of the worms and iron to counteract anemia brought on by the worms.
|
| |
