Threadworms- symptoms & treatment
What are thread worms?
Threadworms (also known as pinworms) are small white worms that infect the human intestine. Infestation with threadworms is a common problem, particularly in younger children, though it can quickly spread through an entire household!
How do you get threadworms?
- You get threadworms by swallowing a threadworm egg.
- Threadworms live in the lower intestine but come out at night and lay eggs around the anal area- this can make the skin around the bottom quite itchy. If a child scratches the area, the eggs get under their fingernails, and can be passed on to other people via touch.
- The eggs can also survive for 2 weeks outside the human body, on surfaces, floors, clothing, food etc
- Once an egg is swallowed, it passes into the intestine, and can hatch, starting up the cycle again.
- People sometimes worry that threadworms come from pets or animals- this is not the case. You can only get threadworms from humans.
What are the symptoms of threadworms?
- An itchy bottom- this is the most common symptom. The itch can be very intense, is often worse at night, and it may cause disturbance to a child’s sleep. The skin around the anal area may get red and sore from scratching.
- Itch and poor sleep may cause a child to be irritable and out of sorts.
- Girls may also get itch and redness around the vagina.
- Appetite for food may be reduced
How can you tell if your child has threadworms?
- It’s not a pleasant job, but the usual advice is to check the anal area with a bright torch at night!
- The small white thread-like worms will be seen moving around the anal area, and in girls, sometimes around the vaginal opening too.
- Threadworms may also be visible in a child’s poo.
- If your child has a very itchy bottom, but you haven’t spotted worms, your doctor may still suggest treating them for threadworms, just in case.
How do you get rid of threadworms?
- Medications to treat threadworms are available from a pharmacy, without a prescription. Treatment for threadworms is often just a single dose. Some treatment plans may involve a second dose after a few weeks.
- It’s usually advised to treat the whole household, to avoid reinfection.
- It’s also advisable for children and adults to have a good shower or bath the same day as treatment, and the next morning, to wash away eggs from the anal and genital area and avoid reinfection.
- Wash bedding and underwear in a hot wash, and ideally vacuum the house as thoroughly as possible in case eggs have been shed onto carpets etc.
- Keep your children’s fingernails well-trimmed- this makes it harder for eggs to gather there.
Can threadworms come back?
- Yes, reinfection is common
- So, if symptoms come back, consider checking or treating again
- You should speak to your doctor if the initial symptoms do not settle after treatment.
When should I see a doctor?
In certain situations it is important to speak to a doctor, as treatment with over-the-counter medication may not be suitable, including
- Pregnant women
- Children under the age of 2
- If there are more concerning symptoms such as weight loss, change in bowel habit, fatigue or generally feeling unwell
- If the initial symptoms, such as itchy bottom, don’t settle as expected following treatment
If you have further questions about threadworms, speak your doctor or pharmacist.
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