Worms in Children: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

A child who scratches their bottom at night, has a swollen belly but a poor appetite, and always seems tired. Worm infections are very common in children in Pakistan, and most parents will deal with them at some point. They are not a sign of a dirty home. Children play in soil, put their hands in their mouths and share toys, so the eggs spread easily. The good news is that treatment is simple and safe when done properly.

Common types of worms in children

• Threadworms (pinworms): tiny white worms that cause an itchy bottom, especially at night. The commonest type, and highly contagious within families.
• Roundworms: long, pink worms that live in the intestine. Spread through soil and unwashed vegetables.
• Hookworms: enter through the skin of bare feet and feed on blood, causing anaemia.
• Whipworms and tapeworms: less common. Tapeworms usually come from undercooked beef or pork.
• Giardia: not a worm but a parasite that causes similar tummy problems, from contaminated water.

Symptoms of worms in children

• Itching around the anus, particularly at night, and restless sleep
• Stomach ache, a swollen belly and gas
• Poor appetite, or constant hunger but no weight gain
• Nausea, vomiting or loose stools
• Tiredness and paleness, which can mean anaemia, particularly with hookworm
• Visible worms in the stool or around the anus
• Cough, in some cases when larvae travel through the lungs

Many children have no symptoms at all, which is why some health programmes advise regular deworming.

How do worms spread?

• Not washing hands after the toilet or before eating
• Playing in soil and walking barefoot
• Eating raw or poorly washed fruit and vegetables
• Drinking unsafe water
• Nail biting and sucking fingers
• Sharing towels, bedding and toys
• Eating undercooked meat

Treatment

Worm infections are treated with anti-worm medicines such as albendazole or mebendazole, usually as a single dose or a short course. For threadworms a second dose is often given after two weeks to catch any newly hatched worms. For giardia and some other parasites, medicines such as nitazoxanide may be used instead. The dose depends on the child’s age and weight, and some medicines are not suitable for babies under one or two years old, so please ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving any.

• Treat the whole household at the same time for threadworms, as they pass easily between family members.
• Wash bedsheets, pyjamas and towels in hot water on the day of treatment.
• Keep your child’s nails short and clean.
• Do not give medicine meant for adults or other children.

How to prevent worms

• Teach children to wash their hands with soap after using the toilet, after playing outside and before eating.
• Make children wear slippers or shoes outdoors.
• Wash vegetables and fruit well, or peel them, and cook meat thoroughly.
• Give boiled or filtered water.
• Bathe children regularly and change underwear daily.
• Keep toilets and play areas clean, and cover food from flies.
• Ask your paediatrician about regular deworming. Many health programmes recommend it every six months in areas where worms are common.

When to see a doctor

• The child is under two years old
• Symptoms continue or return after treatment
• There is weight loss, blood in the stool, ongoing diarrhoea or severe stomach pain
• The child looks pale and tired
• A swollen, hard belly with repeated vomiting, which can signal a blockage

Key takeaways

• Worms are common in children and spread through hands, soil, food and water.
• An itchy bottom at night, belly ache and poor weight gain are the usual clues.
• Anti-worm medicine is simple and effective, but the dose must suit the child’s age and weight.
• Handwashing, clean food and water, and footwear prevent most infections.

Related medicines on Medimart

These are commonly used by doctors for worm and parasite infections:

• Albendazole: a widely used anti-worm medicine
• Mebendazole: used for threadworm and roundworm
• Nitazoxanide: used for giardia and some other parasites

Prescription medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Please take them only as advised by your doctor.

Browse deworming medicines on Medimart with delivery across Pakistan. Prescription medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription.

This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a doctor. Please check the right medicine and dose for your child with a doctor or pharmacist.