Pinworms in Children - Alternative Treatments?

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I suspect that my 5 year old son may have pinworms. Does any one have a safe, effective home treatment for this?

-- Mel Carroll in NC (frank.a.carroll@worldnet.att.net), December 08, 2001

Answers

give him some tobacco to chew,, REDMAN or whatever,, he will swallow a bit of it,, and that should make the little critters release

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), December 08, 2001.

The green husks of black walnuts are good for internal parasites. I don't know how they are prepared. Have you tried doing an internet search? Try a search on alternative medicineand search worms within that.

-- Mona in OK (modoc@ipa.net), December 08, 2001.

Medicating without some understanding of the situation may cause problems; best bet is to seek qualified care for a diagnosis, and then a rational treatment protocol designed to meet the needs of your son. Something that can only come from a comprehesive understanding of your son's management, an examination of your son, and likely some laboratory work. BF morris

-- BF morris (chelone@cci-29palms.com), December 08, 2001.

I agree with BF. He may have something else, something more. Get thee to a doc.

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), December 08, 2001.

I have just consulted my favorite book "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child". It lists conventional and natural treatments for common childhood ailments. They write that there are many types of parasitic worms and therefore it is important to get a correct diagnosis. (E-mail me for specifics.) Some very serious problems can arise if this is not treated promptly.

Convential treatment is a prescription for Mebendazole (brand name Vermox). A single dose is usually all that is needed and it is usually well tolerated with minimal side effects.

Dietary guidelines include eliminating refined carbohydrates and sugar from your son's diet. A high-fiber diet of grains and raw vegetables , especially greens, aids treatment and is good for prevention.

Nutritional supplements include giving acidophilus or bifidus to restore the healthy flora in the intestines.

Herbal treatments- Black walnut tincture is mentioned with the caution that it is a strong botanical and NOT suitable for anyone under the age of 12. Garlic is a natural anti-parasitic. Give 1-2 capsules twice daily for two weeks. Or you can give him one freshclove masjed in honey 2-3 times a day for 1 week. Grapefruit seed extract is also mentioned but they write that it is very bitter and it is difficult to get children to take it.

General recommendations include meticuous hygiene for the entire family,using calendula ointment to discourage scratching, changing and washing the bed linens every day, and try to discourage fingernail-biting or thumb-sucking.

Hope this helps. Feel free to e-mail me if you have other questions. (Where in NC are you? We're up in the mountins, near the VA line.)

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), December 08, 2001.



You supect your son has pin worms, and you are thinking about treating him with a home remedy. One that you are seeking on a homesteading forum. Take the child to a doctor and find out what he has and get treatment. You may be right but if wrong you could be endangering his health if not his life. Don't take the chance, you have health dept if you do not have the money or just go to the emergancy room. If you for some reason can't do that email me.

-- David (bluewaterfarm@mindspring.com), December 09, 2001.

... and when you KNOW what he's got you'll have a good start on what to treat all the pets and domestic animals he's close to for, as well - maybe not only your own, but grandparents, other family, neighbours. And of course you'll know what to treat the rest of the family for (it doesn't matter who gave it to everyone else - the fact is everyone else is likely to have it, and the best course is to treat them for it).

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), December 09, 2001.

Okay, not to be overly graphic, but my understanding of pinworms in children is that the first sign is a kid who's itching his bottom a lot. Maybe Dad or Mom has noticed this. Then, I've heard that if you look closely at the anus (like with a flashlight, in the dark) you can actually see the worms. So, perhaps Mel has a pretty good idea that this IS indeed what's going on with the child, and has decided that a doctor's visit is unnecessary at this point. That said, I don't know how you would treat such a problem, though I've heard that pumpkin seeds are good for people who have worms.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), December 09, 2001.

Strongid T liquid wormer (pyrantel pamoate) used to be labeled and sold for human infestations of pinworms, you could get it over the counter from vet supply catalogs, such as K V Vet Supply, 1-800-423- 8211. Now the original strength is available by prescription only, but Nemex 2 is still available in the small animal section of their catalog, and the dose ratio of 1cc per 2 pounds of body weight would be more appropriate for small children.

Ask your vet about using the original Styrongid or the Nemex 2 for pinworms in children, my vet ( I have a very good relationship with my vet) will advise me on what vet items are safe to use in humans, and the doses needed, and actually sell what's needed. He just "reminds" me that it is for "veterinary use only", as a disclaimer.

I once had a vet tell me what to take to get rid of a chronic cough that resulted from a long standing chest cold, turned out I had developed a fungal/myocoplasma infection in the lungs that the Bactrim ( from a vet) he advised me to take then cured in no time. The antibiotics that a previous Dr. told me to take had had absolutely no effect, and I was out an 80 dollar office visit plus the over-priced cost of the useless antibiotic he prescribed, the cost of the Bactrim from the vet? 6 dollars, and the advice was free.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), December 09, 2001.


I'd consider a doctor if possible, because the child is only 5 years old. If it's a matter of cost, like was mentioned above all states have free clinics. A few tablespoons of tobacco and garlic a day and a is a decent home remedy for parasites but with a 5 yr old I'd seek out a doctor if I could.

I'd also be highly concerned at how and why he got them in the first place and take preventative measures in the future.

About black walnuts- I thought the tincture was supposed to be made from the hulls once they turned brown, to extact the iodine in them. Is there some other substance people use them for?

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 09, 2001.



I vote for a visit to a doctor, or health clinic. A 5 year old child is too precious of a gift to try vet medicines on. Adults, feel free to experiment with vet medicines if you want, but don't take chances with a child that has no choice. Just my opinion.

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), December 09, 2001.

I think kids get pinworms from playing outside and putting their fingers in their mouth. They ingest the eggs that way. Also, the whole family is usually treated and bedding and such is washed in hot water.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), December 09, 2001.

yes, from putting their fingers in their mouth. I guess what I meant was that they are usually picked up from other kids, so it's likely that some of his siblings or playmates are also infected. They can pick them up directly from another kid or with shared toys, etc.

A good preventative measure would be breaking the habit of fingers in their mouth. Very young kids tend to do this but it's not a hard habit to break. I stressed that early on with my kids not just for parasites but all kinds of other infections. Especially when they do become sick, it'll sink into their memory if you draw the association with unsanitary habits to the likely reason they are feeling ill.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 09, 2001.


If you have trouble breaking a "fingers in mouth" habit, you could put a little extract of bitter aloes or of quassia bark (pharmacy) on the finger tips and backs of the knuckles. Either is terribly bitter. Used to be used to cure biting finger nails. Explain that it's just there to help them remember not to put their fingers in their mouths, and make sure as Dave said that they understand the health reason behind it. After they've forgotten and got that taste two or three times, they begin to remember when their fingers start towards their mouth.

Also check up what your school does in the way of basic hygiene lessons, and that they emphasise washing hands, and the circumstances (after toilet, after touching animals, before eating) and preferably explain why. Sure, it's every parent's responsibility; but it doesn't always stick, and sometimes what the children were doing at four has been forgotten two years later, and of course not all parents do it properly.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), December 09, 2001.


<<<<,I think kids get pinworms from playing outside and putting their fingers in their mouth. They ingest the eggs that way. Also, the whole family is usually treated and bedding and such is washed in hot water.>>>>.

Most of the Metazoan parasites are species specific. So the eggs, where or however indirectly they are initially ingested, derive from human sources.

-- BF Morris (chelone@cci-29palms.com), December 09, 2001.



For more information: http://familydoctor.org/handouts/139.html

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), December 09, 2001.

I agree, probably should try to see a dr. If thats not feasible then try this website, www.7mfarm.com there is also a talk list too at yahoogroups. Pinworms need to be treated as soon as possible.

BTW, what are some of the possible problems of not treating pinworms? Just curious.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), December 09, 2001.


Pinworm eggs can actually float in the air. If you know you have pinworm infestation in even one member of the household, you will have to wash all bedding and curtains in hot water. You will have to vacuum all rooms thoroughly and often, and change the vac bag often. You may have to treat the mattress too.

We had a child catch them at nursery school. Vermox did a great job of getting rid of them with no side affects. We kept getting reinfected until I read the fine print on the Vermox instructions about how the eggs can float and what must be done to get rid of them all.

We've also used the over the counter remedy called Pin-X available at Wal-Mart. This seems to work well, and it's much cheaper.

You should take the child and a stool sample to a doctor and get a true diagnosis first. Parasites can infect the eyes, ears, nose, lungs, and brain if they are allowed to spread in the body.

-- helen (sad@experience.here), December 09, 2001.


<<<>>>

Absolutely unnecessary, treatable stress in several forms:

If unchecked, will develop a heavy parasite load on the child; pinworms absorb proteins in the gut.

Facilitation of other anal-oral route pathogens. (plus the given that pinworms are easliy spread)

Physical discomfort for the child.

Lastly- It is encumbant upon the parent to do that which is associated with the least pathology - physical and psychological; personally I find it disturbing to read anecdotal posts advising anything less.

-- BF Morris (chelone@cci-29palms.com), December 10, 2001.


I read that you determine if it is pinworms by checking with a small flashlight at night when the child is asleep (around anus). They are most active when the child is asleep, so you'll definitely see them if they are there. If you can't afford a doctor visit, try the nurse line at the clinic (our clinic has a 24 hr phone line with nurse that can offer advice).

-- Dawn (olsoncln@ecenet.com), December 10, 2001.

Bernice, from the same book as I mentioned above, pinworms can cause diarrhea and malnutrition. If the infestation is not completely eradicated, intestinal blockage, usually of the appendix, can occur. They can slow normal growth and development in young children. Urinary tract infections are associated with pinworms and can lead to vaginal infections in girls.

I did not notice this before but my book says eggs are usually transferred by fingernails, clothng, bedding, HOUSE DUST, and food.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), December 10, 2001.


Remember back when the family was wormed twice a year as a preventative? Now if you talk to the pharmacists about the worm meds on the shelf they act like you are crazy.

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), December 10, 2001.

I appreciate every one taking the time and effort to reply to my question. I am especially grateful to Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary. I was beginning to feel sorry I asked but Shannon you seem to have understood exactly where I'm coming from. Bless you!

My son only had one night of intense itching. I haven't been able to see anything so I think we are okay. Pinworms was just the first possibility that popped into my head. I certainly had them myself as a child. My parents always seemed to blame it on playing with dogs. It wasn't considered a big deal or a medical emergency.

Thanks again all!

-- Mel Carroll in NC (frank.a.carroll@worldnet.att.net), December 10, 2001.


For future reference, when we had them my mother always cured them with a sliced raw onion and hot mustard sandwich! If you can get the child to eat it (a little intimidation might come in handy here), it generally does the trick. Strange thing is, it got to be my favorite sandwich as a kid! Of course, I also drank coffee and actually preferred liver and onions to other main dishes, so you can hardly go by me, but I can tell you that it was a real "eye opener" of a lunch.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), December 10, 2001.

Mel Mom raised 7 children. Just greased the anus with tobacco snuff mixed with vaseline.We all grew up to be obese.I don,t know technical what it did. Mom just thought it worked.

-- Jay in NC (jay.l.vance@worldnet.att.net), December 10, 2001.

I too had it as a child. I remember being warned about not playing where the cats had been "digging". I remember the intense itching.

I think I read somewhere that one way to find the worms was to check at night (as mentioned) and use a piece of scotch tape to pick up the worms from around the anus. You should be able to see the worms if the are there.

The treatment involved some clear liquid (as I remember) medicine that was added to a pan of water that I had to sit in each evening for a while and splash upon my hinder parts.

-- LBD (lavenderbluedilly@hotmail.com), December 10, 2001.


Thanks Bren for the information. I guess pinworms haven't been prevelant in the schools I have taught at. Just recently had a scabies, lice and flu epidmec at school. Talk about getting the triple whammy!

I also saw a post on one of the goat lists i am on from a lady who is a homeopath, she is a little, "out there" and was "Turned in" as she put it for her pinworm cure. But she never said what it was either. I think if anyone trys alternate remedies they need to be careful, but in many cases they work from what i ahve read.

You know what really grossed me out? i read this article in a magazine for one of thsoe send $ now to get medication, tape, etc. it wa sabout wormers for people. in the claim it stated that this one lady used it after reading that the late Princess Di wormed herself regurarly. It went on to mention that this lady pooped out a foot long worm, forgot the worm name. YUK!

-- Berncie (geminigoats@yahoo.com), December 10, 2001.


parasites are common in humans and we all have them. if you are near a health food store, you can get tinctures made just for that. newton labs makes a great one.i have several friends that worm themselves regularly. no kidding. its a good idea to keep the lower intestin and colon clean. thats where most sickness starts in our bodies. cody

-- cody (urbusted@alltel.net), December 11, 2001.

My children have had the pin worms just about every year. They got it from school. You can get it from toilet seats and not washing hands. Have to keep fingernails cut short and wash hands a lot. Wash bed sheets daily when they have them. Each person in the house has to take the medicine Mebendazole. This is expensive. It cost us $5 a pill with insurance. I looked on the net and found a liquid PinX that could be ordered from Mexico. But I could not find anything over the counter like the person said was available in Wal-Mart, not in our area. The best way to check for the worms is to go check their bottoms at night after the kids are asleep, that is when worms become active and crawl out where you can see them the easiest.

-- Vanessa (tvhayes@aeneas.net), December 11, 2001.

Vanessa, our Wal-Mart carries the Pin-X in the same aisle with the lice meds. If your Wal-Mart doesn't have it, maybe you could talk to their pharmacy about ordering it for you? You shouldn't have to order it from Mexico!

If you can't get it, e me and I'll mail some to you. (Now watch -- they'll stop stocking it...)

-- helen (this_a_real_address@yahoo.com), December 11, 2001.


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