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General health

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Original poster

Possible threadworms?

12 replies

ballbaby · 15/02/2007 19:03

I thought that ds1 had threadworms when he started scratching a lot. It wasn't diagnosed by a doctor but we treated the whole family. Now he's stopped scratching but both ds's have redness around the anus - i can tell because ds2 is in nappies, and although ds1 won't let me look i've spotted the same around his. It's not really like nappy rash, it's quite a vivid red sore looking circle, and I've been putting loads of sudocrem etc on and it's not getting better. We've been extra careful on hygene (never had any problems before) so what could it be?

OP posts:

Hassled · 15/02/2007 19:08

I really think you should see your GP. Any ideas why DS1 won't let you look?

NotQuiteCockney · 15/02/2007 19:09

A sore circle can be caused by scratching from threadworms, or dry air, or runny poo irritating the area. I think vaseline is more soothing than sudocrem for such things.

How long ago was the threadworm problem? Did anyone else in the family have itching etc?

bandofgold · 15/02/2007 19:12

you say see threadworms in a fresh poo! as i discovered .. they move when the poo is fresh, but not for long

Original poster

ballbaby · 15/02/2007 19:30

Ds1 won't let me look because he is 4 and starting to get sensitive about these things!

No-one else has had itching, and I've not actually seen a worm, although dh thinks he has.

Think I book in with GP but try the vaseline idea in the meantime to see if things improve. Thanks for this advice.

OP posts:

chocolatekimmy · 15/02/2007 20:36

Worst thing about this if you read up on it is the amount of eggs layed and how easily they are spread around. They can be airborne and end up on anything, like a toothbrush, doorhandle, toys etc.

Only takes one to be swallowed (and they last for ages on things) and the cycle starts again. So however clean you are it is very easy to pick them up again, particularly with kids.

usually worse at night so if theres any way you can do a close range inspection (after a bath?) you may see the worms just inside/around the anus. Its probably the only way you will know for sure if they have them

essbee · 15/02/2007 20:53

Message withdrawn

poppiesinaline · 15/02/2007 21:26

DS1 is always getting these and they are a real nuisance.

You have to treat the whole family with the tablets, two days later, wash all bedding, towels, nightwear.

Then make sure everyone wears underwear to bed.

Then two weeks later you have to do the WHOLE THING all over again.

The GP did say to do the 'cellotape test' if the child will let you.

When they go to bed, put a strip of cellotape across their anus. If they have worms, in the morning the worms will be stuck to the cellotape.

bandofgold · 15/02/2007 23:11

i was going to say sellotape, but i thought you did it in the morning, zipped it on and then off and the eggs will be attached.
as if anyone would let you!

poppiesinaline · 16/02/2007 12:00

eggs are too tiny to see

quietmouse · 02/03/2007 17:37

do you have to repeat the treatment after 2 weeks for it to be effective?

just got medicine for dd but it's one spoonful only and GP didn't mention repeating it.

Can I get it over the counter, does anyone know?

quietmouse · 02/03/2007 20:11

bump

tron · 03/03/2007 20:25

yes you can get it at the pharmacy

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