Thread Worms (ugh)

[benedicte]

Hi, one of my children has thread worms - can I just go to the pharmacy to get some treatment? What are they called and what should I ask for?

horrible horrible things - the worms that is not my children!

[The Riff-Raff Element]

Don't worry - everyone carries a few in their guts; its just in

children (who, with the best will in the world, don't always wash their

hands after they scratch their little bottoms) they can get out of

hand. They are called "oxyure" in French. You could ask at the

pharmacist, but I seem to recall that a trip to the doctor is needed

for a perscription. The treatment is in two parts: one taken straight

away, the second taken 28 days later.

[Tony F Dordogne]

Although they look unpleasant and can cause some distress (itching) threadworms are not a serious condition.  Whilst the kiddie has them, must make sure scrupulous hygein is ensured or will go through whole family - can be passed on by contact I seem to remember, so good hand washes etc. after using loo.

Pharmacy will be able to help, treatment is a powder (don't remember the UK name) mixed with milk or water, goes pink and not unpleasant, which should sort them out in a few days.

Better than when I was small, we had to eat worm cakes, pretending to be small chocolate sweets, tasted foul.

[benedicte]

Thanks for the replies, that's great, will go direct to the Pharmacy to see if I can get something without a visit to the Doctors.

[Russethouse]

Isn't the norm to treat the whole family at the same time?

[Le Petomane]

Thread worms just want a night on the piles.