If the little one begins to feel intense itching, rashes or strange intestinal pains, it can be a sign that his little body has become the home of some annoying parasite.
Unfortunately uninvited guests like lice - every parent's nightmare - worms or other parasites are not always easy to recognize in a short time and this delay can allow them proliferation even in environments deemed perfectly healthy and safe (such as our homes).
For this reason, the New York Times has published in its Parenting section a very interesting article in which all the small "epidemics" that we risk to find at home are shown, indicating their treatment and the strategies to be adopted to avoid further infections.
Common infectious diseases
The most typical example of domestic "pestilence" is given by the onset of common ailments such as fever o cold. In these cases the symptoms remain mild (cough, red throats, runny noses, mucus secretion ...) but the danger that the disease spread to other family members it is however high.
HOW TO ARGIN THE CONTAGION: the first rule is the most elementary, that is to make the children (or whoever for them) sneeze against the shoulder or in the crook of the elbow. This simple gesture in fact prevents the spread of microbes.
Yes, it is generally recommended to put the hand in front of the mouth, but if the hand is not washed immediately - as happens with children and not only - it itself becomes a vehicle for the spread of microbes. Therefore, if you sneeze while sheltering with your hands, you must try to wash them as soon as possible, while avoiding touching too many objects.
HOW TO SANITIZE THE ENVIRONMENT: in this regard, parents would do well to wash and sanitize the toys of the little sick children, especially if you have other children around the house.
Lice
They are small insects that infest hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, feeding on human blood. The most recognizable symptom of the presence of these monsters is a continuous and persistent one pruritus.
HOW TO ARGIN THE CONTAGION: contrary to the belief of most, lice are not very contagious (they do not jump from head to head, for example), but in any case they can proliferate if small precautions are not put into practice.
First of all it is good check everyone's heads. Then, if a family member gets head lice, it is best avoided common use of brushes, combs or clothes. Finally, cutting the hair of the person "colonized" by parasites can make treatments easier, even if it is not strictly necessary.
HOW TO SANITIZE THE ENVIRONMENT: Clean the combs and brush with hot water (from 50 ° C upwards) for 5-10 minutes. Put sheets and pillowcases in the washing machine often using the strongest possible types of washing. Non-washable clothes and items can be dry cleaned and vacuumed for two weeks.
10 PHOTOS10 myths about head lice
go to the galleryNot even these nasty parasites are saved from fake news: false beliefs about the conditions that favor or hinder them and about their real danger. Let's debunk the most ...
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the outermost mucous layer of the sclera of the eye. The most common forms are those of viral and bacterial origins and it is very easy for this disease to spread from person to person
HOW TO ARGIN THE CONTAGION: we teach children a do not rub your eyes with your hands. Contact is the main vehicle for the propagation of microbes and therefore it is good that you wash your hands very often.
HOW TO SANITIZE THE ENVIRONMENT: it is urgent when dealing with conjunctivitis clean all those items frequently with which the patient's eyes come into contact (glasses, sheets, towels, soft toys in the bed, etc ...). Cell phones are also insidious spreaders of contagion!
Ossiuri
They are small worms that infiltrate the body and provoke abdominal pains and persistent itching in the anal area (and sometimes in the vulvar for girls).
HOW TO ARGIN THE CONTAGION: it is the eggs that make these worms proliferate, therefore it is a must wash your hands well and for a long time, especially after using the bathroom and coming into contact with risk areas.
When worm problems arise, it is good to keep them short nails - again to make it more difficult for the eggs to spread - e favor the shower to the bath, where the stagnation of water, albeit brief, can promote contagion. In these cases, personal hygiene is essential.
HOW TO SANITIZE THE ENVIRONMENT: wash as if there was no tomorrow any garment (especially underwear), sheet, towel or toy used by the host of these unpleasant tenants.
In general, whatever the triggering domestic epidemic, the basic principle is to keep the house clean: soap and water remain the best allies. There is no need to overdo it with disinfectant products, which can cause other problems (for example, in the long run they increase the risk of respiratory allergies).
As for machine washes, it is best to remember do not overfill the basket appliance (an "overcrowding" of garments prevents the detergent from penetrating well into the fabrics) and to use the hottest water possible.
But above all, it is essential to WASH YOUR HANDS CORRECTLY!
Updated on 03.12.2022
TAG:- lice children
- parasites
- housewife tricks
- hygiene
- 3-5 children years
