Pinworm Infection this is the most common
worm infection in children.
The medical term for it is oxyuriasis
Pinworm infections occur in the intestine.
The tiny worms, less than half an inch long, do not debilitate a child as a
heavy roundworm or hookworm infestation will. But they cause trouble by their
habit of coming out around the rectal area during sleep. They irritate this
area, leading to painful scratching and restless sleep. Occasionally, in a
girl, pinworms may migrate into the vaginal opening and cause intense itching
and distress. You may be able to locate pinworms with a flashlight and remove
them with a swab of cotton on an applicator rod. Put them in a bottle for the
doctor to see, or burn them if the pinworm diagnosis has already been made. Do
not treat pinworm infections yourself. Let the doctor prescribe treatment. He
will also decide what to do about other family members. He will also advise you
about disinfection of bedclothes and other materials that may be harboring
pinworm eggs.
HEAD LICE The medical name for head lice,
or nits, is pediculosis capitis. The head louse is a tiny insect which inhabits
the scalp and sucks blood. Almost always, lice affect only the back portion of
the scalp. Lice eggs are called nits. They are contained in silvery oval-shaped
envelopes which are attached to the shafts of hairs. They can be seen when
plentiful and are just large enough to be combed out by a fine steel comb.
When lice bite the scalp, they cause itching.
The resulting scratching produces scalp infections with inflammation of the
lymph nodes of the neck. The condition can be diagnosed definitely by a doctor
or nurse who can recognize the characteristic nits. Schoolchildren are particularly
susceptible to head lice, but anyone, rich or poor, of any age, may con- tract
pediculosis. Once, laborious treatments were required; heads often were shaved.
Now effective agents such as benzyl benzoate may be prescribed and the hair
need not be cut or shaved. It is important not to make a child with head lice
feel self-conscious. Avoid letting him know the diagnosis; the problem can be
passed off as "dermatitis" or a "scalp infection."
