One solitary threadworm in toddler nappy - help!

[Theresawormatthebottomofnappy]

My DD is 19 months. I could have sworn she had worms a few months ago when she started tossing and turning and crying at night as though really irritated. I checked her bum several times with a torch and couldn't spot any worms or any in her nappy so assumed it was something else (teething, development etc) she's never had nappy rash and no diarrhoea.

Last night she did a poo once in her pjs and sleeping bag just before going to sleep (I know worms come out at night!) and I spotted one solitary threadworm in her poo. It was moving a bit and I remember what they look like as I had loads as a kid (sorry for the image)

I checked everywhere else and her bum again in the night and no more worms. None in this morning's nappy.

She's too young for the tablets and I'd rather avoid them if possible (same for me as breastfeeding) so I've spent five hours this morning cleaning, washing and disinfecting all her toys, everyone's bedding, surfaces, vacuuming and dusting etc etc. It was a good excuse to go through everything and deep clean (generally I like things clean and tidy but not over clean as I think that brings its own problems but in this case needed to get rid of eggs)

Help! Will this be enough? Is it possible it's just one worm or are there always lots?

Go to the pharmacy or GP ASAP. Don't leave it for too long, bless her.

There’s always lots. I don’t cleaning will be enough.

Pharmacy.
If you saw one there’ll be lots. It’s easily treatable

where there is one there are more...
try pharmacy first.
good hand hygiene.
wash bedding & pyjamas hot.
short fingernails.
don't shake bedding.

tbh I prefer worms to nits...

It won't be enough, no. Please go to the chemist.

Pharmacy have said she is too young for the tablets. I was going to keep an eye on and then book a GP appointment. If as you say there are always lots then it might be necessary!

GP, pharmacy is a waste of time as you said the tablets are only for over 2 years. GP might prescribe anyway if toddler is heavy enough by kg to have them, but you'll need the prescription I think.

Hygiene method is more likely to work as she's in nappies so unable to scratch her own bum, but will still take 2 weeks or longer, which is a bit grim so I'd want to get medicine for her if you can. Make sure you all wash hands after changing nappies.

You can take them while breastfeeding. But it means she might get a bit of a dose through your milk so explain this to GP as well.

You want to treat the adults and any older children in case anyone has them but is not showing symptoms.

Go to your GP, don't make the poor thing suffer just because you don't want to use meds. Get it sorted once and for all.

Is Ovex only for over 2’s? It’s a liquid. That’s what we’ve always used. They do a family pack as it’s important to treat everyone at the same time.

Personally as she's 19 months I'd go and buy the ovex liquid anyway. Unless she's underweight.

most medicines are only licences for over 2.
below that often is a whole lot of data showing they are in principle safe to use for toddlers so gp are often happy to prescribe. call your gp, maybe they will give you a script without needing to see the gp in person.

It's a job for your GP. There isn't an option to ignore - one found signifies lots inside. I'm sure my daughter has then around 18 months and the doc prescribed a fruity tasting milky liquid. Anyway, it seemed to do the job. Basic hygiene and short nails also helps. Good luck

That's interesting if a Gp has prescribed. She is small for age.

Not to drip feed but she's seemed really content and undisturbed at night the last few weeks so I was surprised to find one last night. I mentioned worms to paediatrician ages ago and she said that if I've never seen one in bum or nappy she wouldn't have them

Now I've seen one of course it's different

I will get a GP appointment (luckily they aren't too hard to get at our surgery) and if he thinks appropriate (there is a medical reason why I'd prefer to avoid) I'll of course give her the tablets. I really want her to be rid of them!