Threadworms! How on earth will I get rid of them?

[Snuginagrobag]

I discovered last night that my 4 year old and 1 year old have threadworms. It might explain why my poor 1 year old has been struggling to sleep at night, which we'd put down to illness and teeth so I feel very guilty.

I know that we can get medication for all of us except 1 year old, who is probably too young (but will ask GP on e-consult about it after the pharmacy for the rest of us).

Either way, I can't imagine how I'll ever get rid of the eggs. My 4 year old sometimes has accidents and we let her go bare bottomed to dry out sometimes and she's been sitting on absolutely everything, the 1 year old puts every single thing she can find in her mouth. I'm amazed we've never had them before actually, and have checked reasonably often as both are poor sleepers and have always wanted to rule it out but never detected one before.

I know about hot washing bedding etc, but what about hard toys, of which we have about a million? I'm not sure a wipe over would cover it and I can't boil them all!

I really want to sort it so the poor kids are more comfortable and selfishly I have an exam in a couple of weeks and could really do with some sleep, which has been minimal in the last week.

I think I mean air out with my 4 year old, not dry out, she's always dried after an accident and it's wee!

I also know to wash bums first thing which we did this morning and they wear a nappy or pull up at night so I think I can contain it moving forwards, just think that our home is probably swimming in worm eggs already, yuck

When my DS had threadworms I made the mistake of googling and found all kinds of horror stories of how they are impossible to get rid of.

In reality, the whole family took the medication from the pharmacy (ovex?) and I did a deep clean of all areas, nothing huge just how I would when I'm spring cleaning: cushion covers, bedding, mattresses etc and they haven't returned over the last 3 years.

Thanks, that's reassuring. I know they are common and remember having them as a kid so I'm not too worked up in principle but as it seems to be causing distress at night I want to tackle it!

Treat now. Retreat in 2-3 weeks

Should be fine.

The first time DS had them I panicked and steam cleaned, washed and sterilised the whole house. The 3rd time he got them (repeatedly reinfected from school) I just got into the habit of worming us all on the first sign of an itchy bum as if we were cats.

You'll be fine, just stock up on Ovex for the rest of you and check what the 1 year old can have.

All of you take the medicine, then take the next dose job done.

Are you seeing the GP for worms? You really don't need to.

You will need to hot wash bedding and towels every day for 2 weeks. Steam mop floors and spray and wipe surfaces. I put a load of Lego in laundry bag in dishwasher, came out like new.

You just take another dose in two weeks to kill off any you may have digested before they lay eggs and it starts again
I would just hoover everywhere and wash bedding and clean underwear in the morning

Are you seeing the GP for worms? You really don't need to.

For the one year old ovex has to be prescribed by one I think rather than OTC

Do not fret! :-)

My son had them recently (not for the first time) We took Ovex (the liquid one for kids, us the tablet) and the night waking was over after two days.

We changed towels/bedding a couple of times but were pretty relaxed and they just went.

Second dose for good measure after 2 weeks, we didn't bother for us as we weren't showing symptoms.

Thanks everyone, got family Ovex for DH, DC1 and me (although I'm breastfeeding DC2 so need to ask about that

GP calling back about DC2 hopefully

Hey OP. Some years after but I was wondering if you remember what the GP said 😅 also breastfeeding and in the same wormy boat. Not seeing the GP until Wednesday 🫣