Q:My 3-year-old daughter has picked up threadworms at nursery.What should I do?

A:Threadworms are small parasites that live in the gut.At night,they lay tiny eggs around the bottom area,causing itchiness.As your tot scratches,eggs get under her fingernails and can quickly transfer to her mouth,clothing and anything else she touches.This continues the cycle and threadworms can quickly spread to the rest of the family.This means everyone will need to be treated,whether they have symptoms or not.Your doctor can prescribe medication,or speak to your pharmacist.Then the whole household needs to follow strict hygiene rules for two weeks.These include washing hands regularly,washing the bottom area carefully each morning to get rid of eggs laid at night,and keeping fingernails short and clean.Wash all sleepwear,bed linen,towels and soft toys,and wipe down all surfaces regularly to remove any eggs.If you don't opt for medication,stick to the hygiene rules for six weeks,as this is the average lifespan of threadworms.