8. Parasites

what is a helminth?

a parasitic intestinal worm, such as a pinworm, roundworm, or hookworm

what is pediculosis capitis? *

head lice

how does pediculosis capitis (head lice) spread? *

direct contact with an infested person’s hair

what are the main signs of pediculosis capitis?

intense scalp itching and visible nits (eggs) in the hair

what treats pediculosis capitis (head lice)?

wash hair with a pediculicide, a medication that kills lice

what can living lice 24 hours after pediculosis capitis treatment indicate?

incorrect treatment use, resistance to the medication, or reinfestation

• try again before trying something else

who should be checked when a child has pediculosis capitis?

household members and close contacts (treat bedmates prophylactically)

who should receive preventive treatment when a child has pediculosis capitis (head lice)?

anyone who shares a bed with the child

how should clothing and linens be cleaned after pediculosis capitis?

wash in hot water and dry on a hot cycle, or seal in a plastic bag for 10 days

how should combs and brushes be cleaned after pediculosis capitis?

soak in a pediculicide, lice-treatment shampoo, or hot water

what is a pinworm infection? *

a super contagious intestinal worm infection caused by Enterobius vermicularis

how does a pinworm infection spread? *

the fecal-oral route, swallowing eggs transferred from contaminated hands or objects to the mouth

what is the main symptom of a pinworm infection?

intense itching around the anus

what test diagnoses a pinworm infection?

the tape test, which collects eggs from the skin around the anus when the child first awakens

when should a tape-test specimen for pinworms be collected?

immediately after the child wakes up, before bathing or using the toilet

what is the medication schedule for treating a pinworm infection?

one dose of an antiworm medication, repeated in 2 weeks

who should be treated when a child has a pinworm infection?

all family members, because the infection spreads easily and reinfestation is common

what should a child with a pinworm infection do?

• shower in the morning

• keep fingernails short

• good hands hygiene