Embarrassed by worms? Raisingkids.co.uk's medical expert, Dr Malcolm McKenzie, shines a light on an all-too-common complaint that ought to carry no stigma.

Raisingkids member's problem
I've caught my 8 yr-old repeatedly scratching his bottom in public. Although I've told him to stop, he says he can't because his bottom is very itchy. I think he may have worms, but I feel embarrassed to go to my GP.

Dr McKenzie's advice
For a start, although having worms carries a stigma of dirtiness in some people's eyes, this is a totally unfounded idea. It is a very common complaint, particularly in children, and has nothing to do with poor hygiene or a lack of care. So there is no reason to feel ashamed when you take your child to the GP, which I recommend as none of us would like to put up with a permanently itchy bottom.

Worms, however uncomfortable, are not serious, but they are easily passed on, particularly within families. If you have other children, check whether they, or even your partner, are suffering from similar symptoms. Encouraging your children to wash their hands after going to the toilet, after playing with pets and before meals, and keeping your children away from dog faeces are positive ways of avoiding picking up infection.

Next time your child goes to the toilet, you can check to see if you can see white or brown worms in his stools. Otherwise, you can use a piece of sticky tape, with the sticky side outward as if you were removing fluff from clothes, to remove eggs or worms from around his backside. You can then take these to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, do try and discourage incessant scratching, as the scratcher can pick up loose eggs and either re-infect himself or pass it on to others. If you really don't want to visit your GP, there are over-the-counter remedies available that your pharmacist will offer you advice on. If you are worried, however, book an appointment with your GP, and please, don't feel embarrassed.