認識常見寄生蟲 – 蟯蟲 Ugh! Do I have pinworms?
甚麼是蟯蟲？What are pinworms?
蟯蟲是一種寄生在直腸內的微小、白色、綫形蠕蟲，常見於 3 至 7 歲的兒童。
Pinworms (also known as threadworms) are white, small, thread-like intestinal parasites. They are commonly seen in children from 3 to 7 years old.
症狀
Symptoms
患有蟯蟲的兒童通常在肛門附近特別瘙癢。因為蟯蟲會於夜間爬出肛門，在附近的皮膚上産卵。如情況變得嚴重，例如出現食慾不振、脫水、腹瀉或噁心等症狀並持續兩星期以上，請即尋求醫療協助。
Pinworms tend to work while the infected person is asleep. They leave the intestine through the anus to lay their eggs on the surrounding skin, hence causing intense anal itching for the infected person. In more serious cases, pinworms can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, dehydration and loss of appetite. If these symptoms last for more than 2 weeks,patients should seek medical attention.
傳播途徑
How it is spread?
蟯蟲容易在兒童間傳播，孩子抓撓感染區域後，手指或指甲內會藏有蟯蟲卵。當接觸其他孩子或物件如玩具、衣物或馬桶等時，就有機會將蟯蟲卵轉移至其他孩子。孩子吸吮手指或不洗手就進餐時就有機會將蟯蟲卵吞下，蟯蟲便會寄生於腸道內。此外，溫暖的天氣亦會加速蟯蟲的傳播。
Pinworms are highly contagious amongst young children. The eggs of pinworms can attach to the fingers and nails of the infected child through scratching, where it can be easily spread through touching of other objects or surfaces. Children can unknowingly ingest the eggs if they suck on their fingers or eat without handwashing. Once ingested, children will be infected with the intestinal parasite. Apart from direct contact, warm weather can also speed up the spreading of pinworm.
診斷方法
The “Tape test”
「玻璃膠帶測試」為診斷蟯蟲的常用方法，將玻璃紙緊貼在肛門周圍的皮膚上。然後用顯微鏡檢查紙貼，尋找蟯蟲卵。如果在家做檢測，建議於早上洗澡或如厠之前進行，並將紙貼帶給醫生。
The “Tape Test” is the most common method to diagnose pinworm infections. This test simply requires a piece of clear cellophane tape to be applied to the anal area. The tape is then removed and inspected for pinworm eggs. The best time for the tape test is in the morning or prior to using the bathroom. If the tap test shows positive signs of pinworm infection, it should be taken to the doctor for further examination and confirmation.
治療方法
Treatment
確診感染蟯蟲後，醫生通常會處方兩個療程的口服藥。第一次治療殺死已成蟲的蟯蟲，但仍可能殘存蟯蟲卵。因此在兩星期後需再用第二次治療，以殺滅已蛻變蟲的蟯蟲卵。此外，同住的家人通常亦需要接受治療。
Once diagnosis is made, the doctor will prescribe two courses of anthelmintic treatment. The first treatment will kill the worms, while the second treatment will follow in 2 weeks to kill the subsequent worms from the hatched eggs. All members of the household should be treated concomitantly as this is a highly contagious condition.
預防方法
Prevention
保持良好衛生是預防寄生蟲最好的方法，兒童及家人養成以下健康習慣：
1. 勤洗手，特別是在換尿片、上厠所或外出玩耍之後。
2. 避免飲用可能污染的水，要將之燒開或過濾。
3. 定期換洗床單、內衣褲。
4. 用消毒劑清洗玩具。
5. 游泳時盡量不要吞水。
6. 蟯蟲卵對光敏感，白天時打開窗曝曬室內。
Maintaining proper personal hygiene is the best way to prevent pinworm infestations. All members of the family should follow these personal hygiene habits:
1. Frequent hand washing, especially after diaper changes, after toileting, before eating and after playing,
2.Avoid drinking water from contaminated sources, either drink boiled water or filtered water,
3.Change bedding and underwear frequently,
4.Disinfect toys frequently,
5.Do not drink water from swimming pools,
6.Pinworms are sensitive to sunlight; open curtains in the daytime and keep good lighting inside the home.
屈臣氏藥劑師團隊
Watsons Pharmacy Team
