Worms :( in 4 Year Old

Been there... our kids have had worms pretty much each time we took them overseas. They are easily treated WITH PROPER DIAGNOSIS (like Dawn said, there are several kinds, and they require different medications). I think you should take the child to the doctor and you probably should be prepared to gather a stool sample so they can identify which worm it is, unless there is only one kind commonly in your area and the medical folks say they don't need a sample. If they do need a sample, it may take a day or so to get the sample and diagnosis, however don't stress about it--worms are not fatal/damaging in the short run. To avoid infection, he does need to wash his hands well, especially before eating and not put raw veggies/fruits/unpeeled seeds/etc in his mouth. Also, going without shoes can lead to infection. Good luck!

I'm sure others are more on point with your situation but when I lived in Africa, I was careful of parasites in water which includes washed vegetables, e.g. salads. I couldn't even rinse my toothbrush in the running water there. I got worms from swimming in still water - not fun. I would do as others have suggested. He needs medication too - make sure you take him to a good doctor!

ETA: Dawn is exactly right. I worked for the Public Health lab and they recommended using tape to get a sample directly from the anus. Hang in there!

They sell a pin worm meds that ENTIRE family is supposed to take, at Walgreens. It's rather inexpensive and it says for everyone to take it. I had to too :( yuck!

I just went through that with my 4 year old... however I never saw them other than whenever I did the tape on the anus thing to check. He kept complaining that his 'booty itches' lol.

You are supposed to wash everything. Sheets immediately, all soft toys go in with them on HOT, I poured a little disinfectant chemical in with my wash and set it on extra rinse just to make sure it was all washed out. All the toys that didnt have power went over in the tub in HOT water with a ton of bleach, the ones with betteries got a good wipe down with the clorox hard surface (its safe for kids) and sprayed with lysol. -I'm a germ phobe :)

As for the rest, if it's pin worms, and most likely is, it's really quite common. They are also HIGHLY contagious. It is spread by hand to mouth. One child scratches his or her bottom and touches something... Children are not exactly as clean as they can be.

Like I said... It's really not a big deal and it is quite common. The liquid at walgreens is very effective. I had to drink some, myself, tastes like bananna :) But it doesnt make your stomach hurt or anything. My son stopped scratching by that evening and hasn't had any issues since. I think that was just last month too.

Yes, wash everything. His blankie, bedding, clothing. Children get it from other children from not wiping properly. Usually under the fingernails and then they put their fingers in their mouth. Yuck! My older daughter has had them 3 or 4 times. Make sure he scrubs under his nails.

Worms are a reoccurring problem in many parts of the world. They come from unwashed produce, insufficient hand washing, animals, other people, contaminated water....you name it. Kids are quite prone to it.

He should see a doctor to determine worm type, and your whole household may need treatment.

I had them when I was older actually, about 8yo. They are nasty little things, you can see them in poop and they lay eggs...yuck! The doctor gave me a a medicine to take everyday for a while and told my mom to make me "go" often, so gave me some laxative too. I was told to always wash my hands after using the potty but also to not put my hands in my mouth after playing with dirt outdoors. I think he also told my mom to wash better the lettuce and such. The medicine will take care of it.

A friend of mine's child had pin-worms as well...She was told they get under fingernails in sand boxes...Keep her nails trimmed very short and hopefully no more problems..:)