PHARMACY - common ailments

Worms

Threadworms are like pieces of cotton 5-10mm long. The may be found on the outside of the bowel motion or around the anus. Infection occurs through direct contact between individuals, or self-reinfection, eg. Scratching. As the eggs may remain alive for several weeks, infection may also be through contact with contaminated objects.

The telltale signs of worms include:

• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Itchy bottom
• Disturbed sleep
• Teeth grinding
• Bed-wetting
• Nose rubbing
• Lack of interest in eating
• Usually the symptoms have a sudden offset at night

Tips and advice for customers:

• Treat all the family, even if they have no symptoms
• Take care to prevent re-infection by
• Washing hands thoroughly before eating food and after the toilet
• Scrubbing underneath the fingernails and keeping them short as eggs may lodge underneath the nails
• Having a daily morning bath/shower to help wash away the eggs
• Disinfecting the toilet seat daily for the week after the treatment
• Washing bed linen and towels frequently
• If children scratch themselves in their sleep it ma be necessary for them to wear cotton mitts and tight fitting underwear at night. This prevents anus to mouth transfer
• Worms are not caught from pets

When to seek further professional advice:

• If the patient is a child under the age of 6 months old
• If the patient is pregnant
• If the patient has recently returned for overseas. In particular Asia or Africa
• There is blood in the faeces
• There is accompanying diarrhoea
• There has been a significant amount of weight loss
• There skin around the anal area is broken due to scratching