DS1 has an itchy bum, I can't see anything untoward......

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

....He's complained tonight at bedtime of an itchy bottom that kept him awake for ages. The only thing I can think of is that he might have worms, but there's nothing at all to see.

As I suspect worms should I treat him o could it be something else?

Treat him! Sounds like classic thread worms, just been through the same with my dd, its very annoying as you also have too wash beddings, clean pjs daily and bath them every morning apparently as the thread worm eggs are tiny and can live outside the body for up to 2 wks!!!

Is tonight the first time? It does sound like worms so he'll need treating. Mind you, DS2's first chicken pox symptom was an itchy bum so good luck!

Yes tonight's the first time. He's had chicken pox so I'd be really surprised if it was that (I think it's rare to have it twice isn't it?)

Sounds like worms. I would treat him anyway, infact the whole family. It's quick and easy and can't do any harm.

Worms it is I would say. My DS1 has had them twice this year! Midnight dash to chemist, the medicine is sold as over-the-counter, tablets are a once only dose. Plus what girliefriend says re sheets and pj's. Cut his finernails really short too.

You rarely see them, but last time we did get a good look at the blighters..... DS1 was horrified as clearly his imagination was worse than what we could see!

So I need to give all of us a single dose of the medicine. No problem with that in theory but not sure if ds1 or 2 will take a tablet, do they seel it in liquid form?

Clean pj's every night - no problem with that - is this for 2 weeks?

Clean bedclothes every night too - pita but no problem, is this for 2 weeks too?

Short nails - already done but I'll trim them a bit more often.

Bath him every morning - not going to be able to do that on my work days. Would a good strip wash with a clean flannel do it?

You can buy a liquid version of Ovex - it's banana flavour. Personally I wouldn't worry too much about the bedclothes. Just change them every few days. Would advise pants and pjs in bed though so he doesn't have a chance to scratch.

You don't need clean bedclothes every day!!! I just treated me and dd and then hot washed the bedding and am going to do the same again a week on. If your gp is good you might be able to get the medicine on px, thats what i did as its then free and actually dd happier to take it in liquid form (although it tastes gross, I found swigging milk after helps!!!)

Yes a quick wash of nether regions should be fine as long as they get a proper bath in the evening. Also app eggs can live on soft toys so if he has one thats a favourite might be worth bunging that in the wash as well - sorry!!

Well I didn't manage to get to the pharmacy today (DS2 is unwell). He's not complained at all since last night and tonight went to bed without a single itch or mention of it.

What to do??

Treat or not to treat?

I guess wait and see, at the first sign of further itchiness def treat!!!

Hope your ds gets well soon.

eeew, this is going around at DD's nursery atm - can't you see it in their poo though?

My DD occasionally gets ecxema on her bottom and it get itchy. However, as you mention no rash, then I'd treat for worms.

You'll know within a day or two, I would think.

I've had this with dd2 - one night of itchy/painful something-in-the-bum-region, then nothing. I treated her/us for worms anyway, though I saw none in poo or on her (with torch in night). Wo'nt harm!

Nothing again tonight.

I've not treated any of us, I'm not against medication but will only use it when it's necessary and in this case I'm still not sure that it is.

Thanks for all of your input. I now know what to do if any of us do get a worm infestation!