External worms

Many types of worms live as parasites in humans. Pinworms are the most common parasitic worms that infest children. They live in the lower intestine, but lay eggs in the skin around the anus. An infected child might experience itching or tickling in the anal region. Another type of worm is the roundworm, which lives in the small intestine and produces eggs that are secreted in the stool. At first, the child might not notice any symptoms, but the worms can move to the lungs, causing coughing, fever, and possibly a rash. Hookworms occur primarily in the southern part of the United States and are contracted by going barefooted in infested soil. They can cause anemia and produce symptoms of dizziness, weight loss, and weakness. Another type of parasitic worm is the tapeworm, which can enter the body by eating undercooked meat. A child might experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. If you think your child may have worms, contact a physician in your area for diagnosis and treatment.