Question
My healthy 15-month-old son has threadworm.
He could have caught it from his older brother, who has been treated for threadworm recently.
We cannot find a treatment suitable for his age – can you help please?
Answer
Threadworm (pinworm) is such a common problem in children that it is wise for all parents to be aware of the condition.
This diagnosis should be considered in any child that becomes vaguely unwell and has irritation of the skin between the anus and genitalia ([the perineum).
Vermox (mebendazole) is a dye that is not absorbed by the skin and is very effective in treating threadworm.
It is, as you have found, not recommended for children under two years.
Piperazine in the form of an elixir or mixed with senna as a powder (Pripsen) may be used in children under two years.
It would be wise to see your GP so that the recommended dose can be prescribed. I hope the treatment is successful. Unfortunately, with a young family it is unlikely to be the last episode.
Yours sincerely
The Medical Team
No comments:
Post a Comment