Parasites in children are more common than many people realise, especially in environments with shared spaces, pets, or limited hygiene control. Let’s be honest – it’s difficult to prevent exposure in young children who are naturally curious, hands-on, and often unaware of hygiene boundaries.
Parasites are usually intestinal, though others can affect the blood, organs or skin. Understanding how they start, where they come from, and how to treat them effectively is key to quick relief and long term prevention.
WHAT ARE PARASITES
Parasites are organisms that live off a host—like your child (I know it’s yucky to think about it!) stealing nutrients and weakening the immune system. Common ones in children, that will come with their own set of unique symptoms include:
HOW DO PARASITES START IN THE BODY?
Once ingested or absorbed, the eggs or larvae enter the digestive system, where they hatch or grow in the intestines. At this point they begin to steal nutrients from the host, causing inflammation and/or damage. Many will lay eggs, which are passed through stool – spreading and perpetuating a cycle. Pinworm eggs for example, can live on surfaces (like sheets or doorknobs) for up to 2 weeks and easily reinfect. Crazy!!
| PARASITE | COMMON NAME | SYMPTOMS |
|---|---|---|
| Enterobius vermicularis | Pinworms | Itchy bottom (especially at night), restlessness, irritability |
| Giardia lamblia | Giardia | Diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach cramps |
| Ascaris lumbricoides | Roundworms | Coughing, stomach pain, poor growth |
| Blastocystis hominis | (protozoa) | Bloating, loose stools, noticeable tiredness / fatigue |
| Hookworms | Hookworms | Symptoms of Anemia, fatigue, stomach pain |
WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? – Parasites can enter a chid’s body through:
CONTAMINATED FOOD + WATER
- Undercooked meat
- Unwashed fruits/vegetables
- Drinking untreated water (streams, lakes, or poorly filtered water)
POOR HYGIENE / HAND TO MOUTH TRANSFER
- Playing in dirt or sandboxes with animal feces
- Not washing hands after toilet use or before eating
- Nail-biting or thumb-sucking after touching contaminated surfaces
CONTACT WITH PETS or ANIMALS
- Pet fur or licking (especially if animals aren’t dewormed)
- Walking barefoot in areas with animal feces
CLOSE CONTACT SETTINGS
- Sharing towels, bedding and/or underwear
- School, nurseries, camps – parasites spread very easily in shared bedrooms and toys
COMMON SIGNS – Your child may have one, or many of these symptoms:
- Itchy anus, especially at night
- Digestive upset: gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
- Bedwetting or disturbed sleep
- Irritability or mood swings
- Dark circles under eyes
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – very common in children with Autism
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially iron)
- Skin rashes or itching with no clear cause
HOMEOPATHIC SUPPORT
Homeopathy offers a gentle, yet effective way to help the body expel parasites by stimulating the body’s own healing and elimination processes. Instead of directly killing parasites with pharmaceutical drugs, homeopathic remedies enhance the body’s ability to recognise, resist, and eliminate them naturally.
KEY BENEFITS OF HOMEOPATHIC SUPPORT
- Addresses emotional or behavioural symptoms often seen in children with parasites (e.g., anxiety, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, sleep disturbance, teeth grinding)
- Reduces possible symptoms and discomfort associated with parasite die-off – appetite changes, bloating, constipation, cramping, diarrhoea, gas, headaches, hives etc.
- Stimulates detox and elimination pathways (gut, kidneys, liver, lymph)
- Supports immunity to prevent reinfection