Pinworms

[gumdrops]

Do you exclude for pinworms? DCM comes in this morning like no big deal, explains to me what it is, says she gave 4yo medicine last night at midnight and make sure she washes her hands good. After she left I was like "wait, is this really OK, or did she just try really hard to convince me that it is". Another concern is, who else has it!

[Valerie928]

As gross as it sounds, it's not that uncommon. I believe that after treatment, kids can return to daycare.

[Cat Herder]

By the time of diagnosis, they have already had them for about 2 months. Typically they treat the entire family as it is spread with furniture, linens, blankets, car upholstery, movie theatre seats, etc. It is already too late to exclude. Treatment is given, then given again in two weeks. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pinworm.html

Can Pinworm Infections Be Prevented?


Here are a few ways to prevent pinworm infections in your family:

• Remind kids to wash their hands often, especially after using the toilet, after playing outside, and before eating.
• Make sure your kids shower or bathe every day and change underwear and swimsuits daily.
• Keep kids' fingernails short and clean.
• Tell kids not to scratch around their bottom or bite their nails.
• Wash your kids' pajamas every few days.

[gumdrops]

By the time of diagnosis, they have already had them for about 2 months. Typically they treat the entire family as it is spread with furniture, linens, blankets, car upholstery, movie theatre seats, etc. It is already too late to exclude. Treatment is given, then given again in two weeks. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pinworm.html

Can Pinworm Infections Be Prevented?


Here are a few ways to prevent pinworm infections in your family:

• Remind kids to wash their hands often, especially after using the toilet, after playing outside, and before eating.
• Make sure your kids shower or bathe every day and change underwear and swimsuits daily.
• Keep kids' fingernails short and clean.
• Tell kids not to scratch around their bottom or bite their nails.
• Wash your kids' pajamas every few days.

So should all daycare kids be treated?

[Cat Herder]

It is a cycle. Every kid will be exposed at some point or other. I just notify the other parents that a child in care was diagnosed with pinworms. Some will call their ped for guidance, others will move on with their lives. It is such a common thing, there is no telling who actually brought it in. Many parents will treat and never even tell you out of embarrassment, just like with lice. The medicine is over the counter.

[gumdrops]

I have really been contemplating what I want to do with my life...I know I can't keep doing daycare for another 20 years. This is making me want to throw in the towel! I know it sounds like an extreme reaction, but I feel like I now have to treat my entire family and assume if the kids don't all get treated, it's never going to end. My teenage son is going to have a fit when I tell him why he has to take this medicine!

[Cat Herder]

It is a cycle. Every kid will be exposed at some point or other. I just notify the other parents that a child in care was diagnosed with pinworms. Some will call their ped for guidance, others will move on with their lives. It is such a common thing, there is no telling who actually brought it in. Many parents will treat and never even tell you out of embarrassment, just like with lice. The medicine is over the counter.

[Momboss]

I understand how you feel gumdrops and i would probably require every child to be on treatment in order to return to daycare. This is making my skin crawl.

[Cat Herder]

Pinworm Infection Risk Factors


Anyone can get a pinworm infection. It’s the most common kind of worm infection in the United States. But it’s more likely if:

• You’re between the ages of 5-10.
• You live with or take care of small children.
• You live in a crowded space, like a hospital or jail.
• You suck your thumb or bite your nails.
• You don’t wash your hands.

Prevention of Pinworms


Pinworm eggs can live on hard surfaces and in clothes and bedding for 2 to 3 weeks. In addition to your regular household cleaning, you’ll want to take these steps to stop the spread:

• Pinworms lay their eggs at night. Wash your anal area in the morning to reduce the number of eggs on your body. Shower to prevent possible recontamination in bath water.
• Don’t bathe with anyone or share towels during treatment and for 2 weeks after final treatment.
• Change your underwear and bed linens each day. This helps remove eggs.
• Wash bedsheets, nightclothes, underwear, washcloths, and towels in hot water to kill pinworm eggs. Dry them on high heat.
• Don’t scratch your anal area. Trim your child’s nails so there’s less space for eggs to collect.
• Discourage nail biting.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before handling food. Teach your kids to do the same.

[Momboss]

I dont think I would trust each family in my daycare to follow this lol their hygiene routines are already questionable.

[Cat Herder]

lol! I hear you. Now you know why I supply everything, give baths, wash their clothes and wash naptime linens daily. I also do pinworm and lice treatment with a permission slip. Make it easy for them to say yes, you know.

[Cat Herder]

You should try running an ambulance for a few years. My skin crawled for 10 years straight. I felt like washing with brillo every shift. lol!!