Pinworms??

So, I've totally been freaking out since last night it was brought to my attention that my youngest step-daughter has pinworms. I checked the oldest daughter because she complained of not being able to sleep and sure enough she has them too. The middle daughter (who sleeps on the top bunk) hasn't come down with it. I've been going NUTS reading and trying to find out info on the subject. I went to Rite Aid and purchased the over the counter Pinworm medicine. I treated all 4 of the kids in the house. Now, I've feverishly sprayed and wiped down my ENTIRE house! Not to mention I've had the kids strip their beds and I'm washing ALL of their bedding. I'm scared silly of what can happen if I catch them! I was wondering if anyone else had any interaction with pinworms or has any other suggestions on what I can do to help and try not to get it myself??!!

Thanks
Hugs
Kerri

I remember my older sister having that when we were kids. My mom did the same thing you did, cleaned the whole house, stripped the bedding.

I recall they are highly contagious, especially with little kids because it is a hygiene issue. They spread very easily because little ones will scratch themselves where they itch (in this case, the anal area) and they don't tend to wash their hands as often as adults do. The eggs then spread and hatch, infecting others if your hands aren't washed or you accidently ingest them.

I would definitely get your pediatrician involved because I remember my sister getting meds from the doctor for them. OTC stuff may not cut it.  Also I remember my mom washing our sheets every few days for awhile.  The pediatrician can tell you what to do for treatment and prevention.  In the meantime, good handwashing and making sure they change their underwear and washing their sheets is a good way to start.

I remember all of this because as a kid it totally freaked me out that worms could be in my butt so I washed CONSTANTLY LOL

GOOD LUCK!

Ya it's definitely not something fun to see or think about it! I know that much LOL! I contacted the pediatricia- they just recently got their health insurance cards because they were supposed to have been covered by their mother but being the wonderful woman she is she dropped the ball back in april and never bothered to tell anyone and acted as if they still had it...grrr- so they have to go to a new pediatrician. I called the one I'm wanting to get them in with, but they can't get them in until next Tuesday, but this is my ultrasound appointment and I don't think I can honestly wait THAT long. They suggested just treating them over the counter with the meds and to call them next week if they aren't resolved. It's a toughie cus you can't really see them.

It's been a rough ride for my step kiddies to say the least! My husband was deployed to Iraq 2 different seperate times and they were taken away from their mom by the state and CPS. These poor darlings have had their share of pinworms, ring worms, and lice. It's been a struggle to try to keep them so well taken care of. My husband and I have had custody of them since March of 2008 since he got back the second time and we got together and all. Then, this happens and it feels like such a let down for me. I've read that there's really nothing you can do to keep it from happening cus it's so common in kids, but its depressing. I think I cried for about an hour last night on the phone with my mom after I found out. Not just for the sake of feeling sad for them, but because I'm petrified to get it myself. :( Poor sweeties!

Hopefully what I'm doing will clear it up in a few days and I plan on washing and swapping sheets every other day til next week at least. It's just a horrific thing to go through!!

I am so sorry to hear all those poor kids have gone through! God Bless you for taking care of these children for they need someone like you in their lives.  It really is a common thing for kids to get so don't beat yourself up.

I looked online for you and thought this might help:

www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/pinworms-treatment-overview

Try checking out Mayo Clinic as well.  One thing I notice is they recommend ALL people in contact get treated but the OTC stuff is not for pregnant or nursing women so talk to your OB about treatment for yourself.

Just wash wash wash and keep the kids washing their hands with soap and water for at least a minute.

It will all be ok!! You may need to buy more laundry detergent and Mr. Clean for a few weeks but you will be fine.

Well, thankfully I heard from the Nurse Practicioner! She said it's nothing for me to be concerned about and that when they do my ultrasound and pap next week they will check it out and see if i have it. If I do, they said its treatable and it's no big deal...phewwwww!!

:)