Does your child have a scratchy bottom, especially at night? They could have a pinworm. They're not alone. About 30 million school-aged children have these common parasites.
Pinworm get into the body by touching fingers to the mouth. At night, the mother worm crawls out of the colon and they lays eggs. They secrete a chemical that then prompts the itching. If left untreated, these parasites can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and intestinal problems.
The best cure for pinworms -- simple. Press a piece of cellophane tape on your child's bottom at night. The worms and eggs will get trapped as they come out from the inside.
In the morning, remove the tape and take it to the doctor for a diagnosis.
Remember, it's easy to clear up the infection once you know you have it.
For more tips, watch Doctor Oz Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. on NBC25.
