Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the most common parasitic diseases in children: current problems of the pediatrician and family doctor

Infestations of parasites are currently rare due to significant improvement of sanitary conditions in Poland. The most common infestations of the digestive tract in pediatric population in Poland are pinworm and Giardia lamblia infestations and among skin infestations – scabies and lice. The other parasitic infestations are very rare, but we have to remember that they can be imported. Despite the facts mentioned above, a suspicion of a parasitic infection in children is a common cause of consultations with pediatricians and general practitioners. Parents’ fears regarding parasitic infestation are mainly due to the lack of basic knowledge concerning epidemiology and lifecycle of parasites. In this article we present the most important information about parasite infestations in pediatric population. The basic aspects of diagnosis and treatment of parasite infections are discussed. Authors present facts and bedbug myths concerning parasitic infestations. The sources of reliable information are also provided.