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Children's health

Worms?

62 replies

SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 22:39

My 6yo has been complaining that his bum hurts.
The past few days he has been scratching and saying it itches etc. I've had a look but can't see anything wrong, looks normal.
If he had worms or something, I'd be able to see it wouldn't I?
What should I do about it? He is quite distressed.

Not sure if it's relevant, but he has also been having some bad tummy pains accompanied by a high temperature. This has gone on for just under 2 weeks. Have taken him to the doctors about the belly pains and temperature and they aren't concerned.

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ilovepowerhoop · 01/11/2013 23:04

you would only really see them if they were in his poo or you checked his bottom in the night when they are active. I would treat just in case. You would have to treat the whole family - I think ovex is ok from age 2

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DziezkoDisco · 01/11/2013 23:07

Check his bum when he us asleep ,they come out st night.

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:09

Thanks for the replies.
Would it do any harm to treat regardless?
Going to go and check now

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ilovepowerhoop · 01/11/2013 23:11

no I dont think it would do any harm to treat even if it is unconfirmed

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:16

It is worms Sad
I've just had a look and can see them

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ilovepowerhoop · 01/11/2013 23:18
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lagoonhaze · 01/11/2013 23:19

Wash all bedding, towels and soft towels too.

nightwear change daily.

its so common dont worry.

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Rosencrantz · 01/11/2013 23:19

Take ovex to be sure. It is perfectly fine to take, even if you've not got worms.

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WallyBantersJunkBox · 01/11/2013 23:30

Individual towels for everyone. Make sure he washes around the area properly in the morning and night. Boil wash all the bedding and towels that you have used.

The eggs are tiny and fall out easily around the toilet from underwear - they live a long time too. Bleach the area around the loo and the loo seat every night if you can.

Keep nails short on everyone as the eggs are easily transferred, and be scrupulous about everyone washing their hands around eating/using the toilet.

To stop DS scratching put some Vaseline around his bottom as it helps ease the irritation of the wriggling and stops them moving, and pop on a tight fitting pair of pants under pjs to stop him putting his hand there in his sleep.

Everyone will have to take an Ovex or Boots remedy. They aren't too bad, just a chewy tablet.

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:30

Thanks for the link and comments.
I feel really gross, but I know it's common in children.
No one else in the family are showing any symptoms but now wondering how long this has gone on for........is this what's causing his stomach aches?
He's asleep in my bed, I have to get in there!
So tomorrow I will get to the pharmacy and wash all bedding and soft toys, will hoover the bedrooms daily and the mattresses tomorrow.

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:34

Thanks. I've just been looking online about causes/treatments etc.
I noticed that it says threadworm is only carried by humans but can be passed via pets if fur becomes contaminated with eggs.
We have 2 cats, what do I do to ensure they're not carrying eggs on them?
How long does the treatment take to work?
If I strip all the beds tomorrow morning, I won't get them in the machine at the same time. Is it safe to leave them in the laundry basket?
This is so gross

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duchesse · 01/11/2013 23:36

Yep, have to make sure you treat everyone in the family as they are so contagious. Do everyone in the family (over the age of 2) on same day- it's just one chewable tablet, and hot wash all bedding and towels.

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:37

We all do have separate towels and flannels.
My 2 ds's bath together, so I should stop that right. They bathe every other day because ds2 gets eczema.
They change pj's every day.

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duchesse · 01/11/2013 23:37

French people routinely worm their children at least once a term- it's so common in schools and nurseries etc... It's a wonder more GPs don't treat against them or recognise the symptoms.

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:38

Do I have to re-treat at any stage? Is it like nits where I should do it again in 7-14 days to catch freshly hatched ones?

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duchesse · 01/11/2013 23:38

I wormed everyone in the family last week btw as DD3 was looking so peeky and complaining of a sore bottom. I don't know if it was that but she's looked a lot better since being wormed (less pale and tired-looking).

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duchesse · 01/11/2013 23:40

I think it's just one tablet. You can re-treat every few months.

At the same as treating us against threadworm, I also had to de-flea the cat and treat him against tape worm that I knew he had (saw segments wriggling around on his tail), so it was all about the worms here for a fortnight.

I just don't understand why GPs aren't more on the ball about worms here.

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:40

Being wormed Grin, having kids is really like having dogs Wink

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:42

Sounds like a nightmare duchesse

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duchesse · 01/11/2013 23:42

Yup. Grin

btw you have to treat you and DH as well- if your DCs have them (and I think it's safe to assume both of them will), you probably do too. Sorry.

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WallyBantersJunkBox · 01/11/2013 23:42

With Ovex it's one tablet now and another in exactly two weeks, to break the cycle. As said the eggs can live for a long time.

As long as you don't shake the bedding out, just fold it carefully and place in the washing basket while you are getting all the loads done it should be fine.

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duchesse · 01/11/2013 23:48

Ah OK Wally, thank you. Must worm again in a few days then.

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SilveryMoon · 01/11/2013 23:49

Yes, I will treat everyone here. Dp's at work now, have told him to search for a 24 hour chemist.
I don't want to get into bed

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WallyBantersJunkBox · 01/11/2013 23:53

They've been in the house for two weeks Silvery, don't worry too much, try and get some sleep.

I hear they have aversions to food types, raw carrot and garlic in particular, and do limit sugar intake.

Some people even recommend a clove of garlic up the back passage as a remedy to stop the itching (it's the cycle - worms come out to lay eggs, scratching puts eggs under nails, eggs consumed from hands, travel to stomach and hatch.) I've never been quite able to contemplate that for DS though! Grin

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ilovepowerhoop · 01/11/2013 23:54

there is a family pack of ovex (4 tablets) and you can then re-treat in 2 weeks. We got ours through the minor ailments scheme at our local chemist so it didnt cost us anything

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