Chronic Itch - HELP!

[Baysel]

Please help!

My 4 year old has had a REALLY itchy bum for almost 2 weeks now. It's also very red and bleeds slightly when he goes to the toilet.

Initially I was using hydrocortisone to help the itch but I did nothing so I took him to the pharmacist. They gave him medicine for pinworms and said to stop using hydrocortisone and just use a barrier cream. A week went by and he was still really uncomfortable and waking during the night with the itch so I took him back to the pharmacy (couldn't get a docs appointment). They said it can take up to 2 weeks for the itch to subside after taking the medication but it's been almost 2 weeks now and it's no better. He's constantly uncomfortable and can't settle. I bought lactoluse today to help him go to the toilet easier but the itch is driving him nuts. What can I do to help him? We're now on holiday for 2 weeks so can't get to the doctors. I feel so sorry for him.

Firstly, it can often take two doses of worm medicine. Have you made sure to wash all bedding and towels etc on a hot wash?

Secondly, kids can get themselves stuck in an itch/scratch cycle - the scratches itch as they heal, which causes more scratching.

If a second dose of worm medicine hasn't helped, I'd probably try giving him some piriton before bed for a few days to see that helps break the cycle? I would leave off all creams for the moment in case they're actually making it worse.

Thank you, that's a good idea re piriton, I didn't think of that! The pharmacist said the second dose of the worming medicine should be taken 2 weeks after the first (if necessary). We're a couple of days off the 2 week mark. I did wash all towels and bedding etc. as soon as the pharmacist mentioned worms. I'll pick up some piriton tomorrow and hopefully that helps.