It’s That Time Again…
Late at night, halfway through the bedtime routine, my daughter dropped those dreaded words: “Dad, my bum is itchy.”
My heart sank. I knew exactly what this meant. Not again! With a heavy sigh, I resigned myself to another chapter in the storybook of parenting that no one ever tells you about: threadworms.
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How Does My Child Keep Getting Worms?
You might be thinking, “Didn’t you just deal with this?” Yes, yes I did. And that’s why I’m currently buying Ovex from Amazon for the second time this year.
I don’t know if there’s a loyalty scheme for this sort of thing, but if there is, I deserve a medal. Honestly, the real loyalty scheme should be for me still tackling the bedtime routine while trying to Google “how does a child get worms in their poop” without looking like a maniac.
But how does my child keep getting worms, you ask? Well, kids are crafty. They’re like magicians with dirt. They touch everything, then touch their faces. If there’s a way for those pesky little eggs to get from hands to mouths, my kids are apparently experts in finding it.
This is a huge issue with children who have ASD and ADHD – sensory activities like touching faces or sticking their fingers in their mouths (much like I used to do as a child) increase tenfold, as does their chance of infection.
All it takes is one microscopic egg hitching a ride on a poorly washed finger, and voila – worm season is back in full swing.
Honestly, it’s like those Slurm worms from Futurama – only instead of a sugary beverage, it’s a never-ending supply of sleepless nights and itchy complaints. Or for the Bluey aficionado among us… BUM WORMS!?
How Do Children Get Worms?
Threadworms (or as I like to call them, nature’s way of ensuring no parent ever sleeps peacefully) are remarkably common in children. The thing is, these critters are basically the playground mafia – they’re everywhere, and once they get in, they’re hard to shake.
Imagine this: your child touches a toy. Another kid touched that toy earlier, and they had worms. Fast forward a couple of days, and your kid is scratching their bum like it’s a national pastime.
Suddenly, you’re in a weird parent purgatory where you’re trying to maintain your sanity and reassure your child that everything’s fine (while furiously buying more Ovex).
Worms in Humans: Not Just for Kids!
Oh, and it’s not just kids. Threadworms aren’t ageist – they’ll happily take up residence in adults too. Fun, right?
So while I’m dealing with my daughter’s complaints of an itchy bum, I also have to contemplate the horror of these wriggly intruders setting up shop in me too – all the while scooting around the bed with a case of the invisible itchies.
For those unfamiliar, threadworm symptoms are as charming as they sound: it usually starts with a restless child complaining of an itchy bum, particularly at night. Why at night? Because that’s when the female worms make their way down to lay eggs.
Yes, I know. You were having a good day until you read that.
Threadworm Treatment: The Joy of Ovex
Luckily, treatment for worms in children (and adults) is pretty straightforward. I mean, what could be simpler than popping an anti-worm pill (or in liquid form if you’d prefer), washing every surface in your house, and vacuuming like you’re trying to erase all evidence of dirt ever existing?
You might think I’m overreacting, but when faced with the possibility of these tiny wrigglers multiplying, I’d sooner burn down the house. But instead, I settle for scrubbing everything while my Amazon order history looks like I’m bulk-buying for some weird pharmacy.
Oh and if you’re on this page… odds are you’re probably going to be heading to the pharmacy or looking for Ovex online, so I’ve saved you a click (yes it’s affiliate, and yes I may earn commission by you clicking on it).
For real information, the NHS is pretty clear about what to do: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/.
Their advice covers everything from washing bedding at a thousand degrees to trimming nails, all while trying to convince your child not to scratch their bum (good luck with that).
Do Most Kids Have Worms?
Here’s the truth: most kids do end up with threadworms at some point. In fact, 20-30% of pre-school and primary-school-aged children will have a threadworm infestation (source: NICE). It’s practically a childhood rite of passage—like learning to ride a bike or losing a tooth.
Only instead of being proud, you’re hunched over, inspecting toilet paper and wiping down door handles like a CO19 team member at the scene of a crime. Threadworms in children are just one of those delightful parenting surprises that come out of nowhere and make you question every decision you’ve ever made.
Threadworms in Adults: Yes, You Too Could Win the Worm Lottery!
And what’s even more exciting is that these bad boys don’t just stop with the kids. No, threadworms in adults are also a thing.
That means every time you hear those dreaded words, you immediately question everything you’ve touched in the last 48 hours.
Who knew that parenthood came with so many surprise bonuses, like scratching yourself at 2 AM and wondering where everything went wrong?
How to Get Rid of Worms
If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate situation of dealing with threadworms, here are the key steps to get rid of them:
- Medication: The primary treatment for threadworms is an over-the-counter medication like Ovex. Make sure every member of the household takes it, even if they’re not showing symptoms—those sneaky worms can spread without making themselves known.
- Personal Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing, especially before meals and after using the toilet. Nails should be kept short, and children should be discouraged from nail-biting or sucking their thumbs. Regular showers or baths are crucial, particularly in the morning to remove any eggs laid overnight.
- Household Cleaning: Threadworm eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks. This means a thorough cleaning regime is necessary. Wash bedding, towels, and clothes in hot water. Vacuum carpets and clean bathroom surfaces daily to remove any eggs that might be lurking.
- Nightwear and Bedding: Change nightwear and bedding frequently. Ensure that children wear close-fitting underwear to bed to prevent scratching during the night and spreading eggs to other surfaces.
- Prevent Reinfestation: To break the cycle, ensure everyone takes a second dose of medication two weeks after the first. This helps to eliminate any worms that may have hatched since the initial treatment.
With persistence and a bit of elbow grease, you can successfully rid your home of these unwelcome guests. It’s all about breaking the cycle and keeping those pesky eggs from spreading.
The Final Word on Worms
So there it is, folks. The circle of life (or more accurately, the circle of threadworm). We can all do our best—washing hands, keeping nails short, and dosing everyone with Ovex whenever necessary—but sometimes, these things happen.
Just know you’re not alone in the late-night Amazon Ovex panic buying, and if it’s your second (or third) time this year, just think of it as another parent badge earned.
And remember: if you hear the dreaded words, “My bum is itchy,” grab your gloves, steam cleaner and vacuum.
It’s go time.
