Exposing various types of parasitic infections in children

Children sometimes have symptoms such as unusual pimples, diarrhea, fatigue, and symptoms that do not resemble colds and flu symptoms. You can think about your baby being infected with parasites. There are several types of parasites that are common to young children such as cryptosporidiosis, scabies, giardia, tapeworms. Let's find out what they are. 

In her Facebook post, Aribalusi Adelemi, a mother in Africa, shared that her son had four small pimples: one on his head, chest, legs and fingers. She took her to the doctor for examination and was only prescribed antibiotics.

However, instead of getting better, babies often cry and report that the pimples are painful, especially at night. Adelemi gave the baby more paracetamol but still was ineffective. After only three days, one of the four pimples burst, oozing pus. Adelemi squeezed out and was terrified to see a maggot still alive.

This spectacle is definitely a nightmare. After finding and asking the doctor for guidance, Adelemi began to muster up courage and continued to press hard on the wound to get all the maggots hiding in her skin. Next, she cleaned the surrounding skin with boiled alcohol, then gave her an antibiotic. Finally, her son is able to sleep well after 4 days of fatigue from the pain.

Why is there such a phenomenon? According to doctors, the culprit is a type of fly named tumbu. It spawns on clothes that are exposed to the outdoors or accidentally gets entangled in the outer garment. When dressed, the eggs will burrow into the skin and nest until the eggs hatch. At night, the maggot can move as well as cause pain. Children of any age are more likely to encounter this parasite, even adults.

You might think Africa is so far away so why should I worry? In fact, although the tumbu fly is native to Africa, there are other common tropical parasites found.

1. Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease that primarily affects young children, accompanied by diarrhea symptoms . Pathogens are spread by unintentionally touching surfaces containing bacteria. Many infections occur through:

Physical contact between people

Physical contact between people and animals or pets

Accidentally drinking contaminated water (usually while swimming)

Eat unhygienic food.

Most of the time, the disease spreads from contact with water. Usually, the disease arises from the source containing the pathogen and areas that use water for recreational purposes such as swimming pools, water parks. Doctors have acknowledged cryptosporidium to be the most common cause of diarrhea during water leisure activities or in disinfected areas, because the parasite is not destroyed despite the swimming pool contains. chlorine. Moreover, it can also thrive for a long time in its surroundings.

If the child accidentally catches, you should limit contact with the water source because the baby can spread germs to others. In addition, bring your baby to the doctor for advice and treatment. Children are also likely to become dehydrated. Therefore, it is very important that your child drink enough water.

2. Scabies

Human scabies is an extremely itchy skin condition that is accompanied by a rash. The red skin plaques are caused by a parasitic species called sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. Scabies is more common in children and sex workers than in others. In fact, one study that found that the following conditions potentially posed a risk of scabies infection included:

Age

Where there are many young children such as kindergarten, play area

Use the same clothes and towels that other family members have

Do not shower often

If you think your baby has scabies, take him or her to the pediatrician to confirm. If you or your child has scabies, avoid body contact (hug, touch). After only about a day of treatment, people with scabies can continue to go to school or work.

3. Giardia

Giardia is a very common single-celled parasitic parasite. When giardia enters the intestine, people suffer from conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting ... Giardia parasite infection in children is more common than in adults. If the baby is not given the right medication, the child will become stunted and less developed than his peers.

Giardia appears in polluted, dirty areas or when you do not thoroughly clean your baby. In addition, this parasite spreads in the following ways:

Use contaminated water or food

Caregivers change diapers for an infected child, but do not wash their hands properly, which can infect other children in the class.

When you notice signs of abnormalities in your baby, you should take your baby to the doctor right away. Maybe your child will be prescribed antibiotics. In the meantime, let your child drink water and liquid food to replenish nutrients lost due to diarrhea.

If you have to do personal hygiene for your child, you should use gloves and wash your hands with antibacterial soap right after. This will keep the pathogen from spreading.

4. Tapeworm

Tapeworms are parasites that nest in the intestines of the host. If you eat foods containing tapeworm larvae, your baby will become infected. With the naked eye, these larvae cannot be seen because they are tiny and lurk in cereals, rice, flour or dried fruit.

Symptoms of a baby tapeworm infection depend on the type of fluke they have as well as the health of the immune system. However, the most common condition a child may experience is abdominal pain, itching, weight loss or fatigue. Other symptoms may include anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, imbalance, memory loss and confusion. Sometimes you will notice this parasite in your baby's feces and underwear.

The first thing in the treatment of parasitic infections in children is taking your child to the clinic or hospital to be diagnosed with the most accurate condition. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will advise different forms of medication, such as:

Anthelminticides

Supplement with vitamin B12

Antiepileptic medication for conditions such as seizures

Surgery in serious cases.

aFamilyToday Health hopes that this article will help you in finding out information about various types of parasitic infections in children as well as determining whether your baby has it or not.