Question
An 18-month-old child has been consistently scratching around the anus for the past month, feeling itchy during sleep at night as well, leading to poor sleep quality and decreased appetite. What could be the cause, and what are the solutions?
Answer
Considering the possibility of pinworm infection, also known as bottom worms, the adult worms are small and milky white in color. The female worms will crawl out of the anus to lay eggs at night, stimulating the surrounding skin and causing anal itching.