#asktheexperts My boy is 3 years 9 months and has stomach worms which leads to lots of itiching and skin infection please suggest some medicine to get rid of the worms

Question

Accepted Answer

kindly give syrup albendazole 10 ml to the child at night (first dose) and 10ml after 14 days and if the problem still continues meet your doctor and get a stool examination which will help in diagnosis. 
very important to maintain hygiene of the food as well as the the hygiene of the hands afnd everything which goes inside the mouth of the child otherwise the worms problem will occur again and again.
can be repeated every 6months if required.
final decision will be taken by dr who will tell you if it is needed by your child or not.

Accepted Answer

Stomach worms, such as pinworms, are common in young children and can cause itching and discomfort. Here’s what you can do:

### **1. Deworming Medication:**
   - **Consult a Pediatrician**: The best course of action is to consult a pediatrician who can prescribe an appropriate deworming medication. Common deworming medicines include:
     - **Albendazole**: Often given as a single dose and may be repeated after two weeks.
     - **Mebendazole**: Also given as a single dose or over several days.
   - The pediatrician will determine the correct dosage based on your child’s age and weight.

### **2. Addressing Itching and Skin Infection:**
   - **Anti-Itch Cream**: Apply a gentle anti-itch cream or ointment like calamine lotion to help relieve the itching.
   - **Cleanliness**: Ensure the affected areas are kept clean and dry. Regular washing with mild soap and water can prevent skin infections.
   - **Nail Trimming**: Keep your child’s nails short to prevent scratching, which can worsen the skin infection.

### **3. Preventing Reinfection:**
   - **Good Hygiene**: Teach your child to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
   - **Daily Bathing**: Give your child a bath every morning to remove any eggs that may have been laid overnight.
   - **Clean Bedding**: Wash bed linens, towels, and underwear in hot water daily during treatment to prevent reinfection.
   - **Regular Deworming**: Some doctors recommend regular deworming every 6 months, especially if your child is prone to getting worms.

### **4. Dietary Considerations:**
   - **Probiotics**: Including yogurt with live cultures or other probiotic-rich foods can help maintain healthy gut flora, which may support the digestive system.
   - **Garlic**: Some believe garlic has natural anti-parasitic properties. Including it in your child’s diet, in consultation with a doctor, might help.

### **5. Follow-Up:**
   - After treatment, follow up with your doctor if symptoms persist or if there are any signs of a more severe infection, such as persistent abdominal pain, weight loss, or severe skin infections.

It’s essential to treat the entire household if one member is diagnosed with worms, as they can easily spread. Always consult your pediatrician before starting any medication.