Let’s talk about threadworms (also called pinworms)—the most common worm infection in Australian kids. These tiny pests are incredibly common. While they don’t always cause big issues, they can lead to a range of symptoms and become a recurring problem for some children.
Let's talk about how to check for worms and understand when to seek support if they keep coming back.
What Are Threadworms?
Threadworms are tiny white worms that live in the intestines and are easily passed between children, especially in homes and schools. Anyone and everyone can get this type of worm!
They come out at night to lay eggs around the anus, which can cause discomfort or itching. However, an itchy bottom isn’t always a symptom—many kids with worms show no obvious signs at all, and some can have a whole range of different symptoms!
Symptoms of Threadworms
Most infections don’t cause noticeable symptoms, but when they do, they can vary a lot. Symptoms often worsen at night when the worms are most active.
Common symptoms include:
Tickling or irritation around the bottom.
Sharp pain in the same area, especially if there’s inflammation.
Sleep troubles like insomnia, restlessness, and nightmares.
Daytime tiredness from disrupted sleep.
Irritability, emotional ups and downs, or difficulty concentrating.
Loss of appetite or weight loss.
Bedwetting in kids who were previously dry at night.
Nail biting, thumb sucking, or nose picking.
Teeth grinding while asleep.
Tummy pain, including colicky episodes.
Eye irritation in rare cases.
Interestingly, itching around the bottom or genitals seems more common in kids with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. Not because of eczema in the area, but the itching is often more common in this group of kids for a variety of reasons.
How to Check for Threadworms
The sticky tape test is actually one of the most reliable ways to check for worms. This isn’t just a naturopathic method—it’s a clinically proven test that works far better than stool samples (which only detect pinworms about 15% of the time).
Here’s how to do it:
First thing in the morning (before your child bathes or uses the toilet), press a piece of clear sticky tape firmly against the skin around their anus.
The eggs are tiny—just 0.5 mm—so you’ll need good light and possibly a magnifying glass to see them.
Repeat the process for three mornings in a row. This 3-day test is about 90% accurate.
For extra certainty, continue the test for 6 consecutive mornings. If no eggs are visible during this time, it’s highly unlikely your child has pinworms.
Another possible clue is found in bloodwork: If your child’s white blood cell count shows raised eosinophils without another clear cause, it could suggest a pinworm infection.
What If You Find Threadworms?
Finding threadworms doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In many cases, treatment is straightforward, such as using an over-the-counter treatment like Combantrin, a common medication for clearing the infection.
However, getting rid of pinworms in a family can sometimes be tricky. Threadworms spread easily, and asymptomatic infections in family members (especially younger kids) can act as reservoirs, keeping the cycle going.
What can help:
Treating the whole family simultaneously—even those without symptoms.
Being prepared for repeated treatments over time, to completely clear the infection.
If the worms keep coming back though, or symptoms are more serious, it’s worth working with a Naturopath to look into deeper into potential contributing factors. A naturopath can help develop a plan to tackle the infection while supporting your child’s overall health and immune system.
Hygiene Tips to Prevent Reinfection
These steps can help reduce the spread of pinworms during an infection—or even as a preventative measure:
Wash hands regularly, especially after the toilet or before eating.
Trim nails short to stop eggs from getting trapped.
Change bedding and underwear daily during an infection, washing them in hot water.
Vacuum and clean surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and toys. Pinworm eggs can even be transferred via dust.
Threadworms (pinworms) are incredibly common in Australian kids and all over the world, but with the right tools, they’re manageable. The sticky tape test is an easy, reliable way to check for them, and it gives you peace of mind—whether you’re confirming an infection or ruling one out.
If they're are causing ongoing issues, it might be time to dig deeper into what’s going on. A naturopath can guide you through natural solutions to stop the cycle and support your child’s health long-term.
With a little know-how and the right support, you’ve got this! 💛
Comentarios