How did you explain threadworms to your DC?

[DitzyDoc]

Just discovered my 2 DC (3 & 6) have threadworm . Have gone through the obligatory denial stage replaced by horror and now just dreading all the cleaning and bum washing ahead!
I'm just wondering how you explained it to your child/ren? I'm all for honestly but I think both of mine will be really upset to think they have worms laying eggs around their bottoms etc. But equally they will know somethings up once they are being showered the minute they get up in the morning, extra cautious hand washing and nail scrubbing, and having to keep knickers on (they usually sleep starkers!) So I need to let them know a little bit. So can you inspire me with a non-horrific way to tell little kids about this?! Thank you

[DitzyDoc]

Bump!

[EnidB]

I don't think you need to go into detail. Go to the chemist, get a family pack of Ovex and dose yourselves now and in 2 weeks time. Job done

[DitzyDoc]

EnidB- thanks for your reply. Was it really that simple in your experience? Will be happy if you say yes! The recommendations seem more involved than just the tablets.

[EnidB]

Don't share towels, hot wash laundry - that is routine for us. But I think the minute the tablets kick in, there is no more itching. But you really need to take the 2nd dose to kill off anything that has hatched before it can lay eggs. I have no idea why the 2nd dose is left as a maybe - take it. I view it the same as headlice - eugh, thank heavens for medication.
Re the laundry - just wait till they get the horrific lumps under their skin. Mine picked it up swimming. You'll never use an eco wash on towels and bedlinen again!
Make sure you all take the tablets. You can get them in 4 packs - buy 3 - now, follow up and 1 for the next time......

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

Honestly, they are just an occupational hazard of young children. The bigger deal you make out of it the bigger deal they will. This is a motto for life as well as worms

[DitzyDoc]

Thank you both

Will definitely take the 2nd tablet too. what do you mean about lumps under the skin EnidB?!

We are yet to have headlice but I'm sure I'll be treated to that too soon enough. God having kids is gross!

I like your motto Kate, very sensible and I do agree.

[Muskateersmummy]

I didn't tell dd 4 anything. Also we were told we only needed to take a second dose if symptoms had reoccurred, otherwise the one dose was fine. The washing of you and towels plus hoovering will have got rid of the eggs.

[megletthesecond]

I didn't tell them anything. Gave them their ovex and said it was tummy medicine then went on a cleaning blitz. Never shared towels anyway and pj's were changed every night.

I still keep a bottle of ovex in the cupboard just in case.

[EnidB]

Sorry, had to look it up. Molluscum. They're a real doozy

[Lweji]

The second dose should always be taken, as if you show symptoms it means eggs have already been released.
It's mostly a safety measure, but for the sake of a pill, it can prevent reoccurrence.
The same with washing bedding and pjs/pants, nails and so on.
Don't forget surfaces like door handles. Better if you clean them too.

It is very common. My DS had it twice. Probably because he keeps biting his nails.

I told him everything. I normally do. More than he wants.

[Witchend]

I just told them they had worms and had to take the medicine.

About 2 or 3 weeks later ds, who was about 2.6yo at the time, found a worm on the path. He stood and looked at it before restoring it to the garden. As we moved on he remarked "I wonder whose bottom that fell out of."

[Passthecake30]

I told mine they had worms up their bottom....it made them willingly eat the tablet!