PARASITES

See also

Diarrhoea

Sub types

• Intestinal / perennial worms.
• Mites: Including scabies - found in burrows (very itchy). Largely in the skin areas which are thin; ie. Wrists webs, anterior abdomen.
• Lice and crabs - Lice are found in hair, their eggs (nits) are clamped to hairs.

Danger signs

• Secondary infection, often with staphylococcus, especially in atopic individuals. Contact GP

Notes for children

• Pin / Thread worms: Should be suspected if perennial itch. Worms come out at night and will adhere to sticky tape if left there to catch them.
• Head Lice and Nits: Infestation rate proportional to hair length. Nits may still adhere to hairs when dead. Rotate treatment in accordance with local policy.

General advice

• For worms treat whole family the same day. It is important to treat the symptomatic carrier.
• Scrupulous hygiene, short nails, wash and scrub nails, hoover mattresses.
• Decisions as to choice of therapy include: Pregnancy, asthma.

Therapy

• Benzyl benzoate.
• Carbaryl.
• Lindane.
• Malathion.
• Menosulfran.
• Permethrin.
• Phenothrin.
• Antihistaniines and hydrocortisone for relief of itch/allergic reaction.

Dictionary

Atopic: relating to or marked by atopy.
Atopy: type I allergic reaction, specifically one with strong familial tendencies caused by allergens such as pollens, foods and insect venoms.
Staphylococcus: a genus of gram-positive bacteria that forms irregular clusters: found on skin, in skin glands on the nasal and other mucous membranes.

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