Threadworms are small, white, parasitic worms which resemble thread and infect the large intestine in humans. This is a very common type of infection, especially in children and is easily spread.

Confirming threadworm infection

Threadworms can be seen in the poo or around the anus. They look like small pieces of white thread. Threadworms usually come out during sleep.

Symptoms:

• Extreme itching around the anus or vagina, especially at nighttime

• Irritability and waking during the night

Less common:

• Irritated skin surrounding the anus

• Weight loss

• Wetting the bed

Spread of infection

Threadworm infection is spread when threadworm eggs are ingested. Since threadworms produce a large number of tiny eggs that cannot be seen with the naked eye it is very easy for them to be swallowed. Threadworms then lay eggs around the anus causing it to itch. Their eggs then get stuck in the fingernails when scratching. These eggs can pass onto anything you touch such as food, bedding, toys, clothes, surfaces, house dust, towels and toothbrushes etc.

Eggs can pass to other people if they touch and infected surface then touch their mouth. Threadworms are able to survive on surfaces for up to 2 weeks. The larvae (worms) hatch from the eggs in the gut after swallowing and can take 1-2 months to mature into threadworms.

Treating threadworms - Mebendazole

Mebendazole (brand name - Ovex) is an anthelmintic (anti-worm) medicine. It works by preventing newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying within the body. It usually comes as a chewable tablet or an oral suspension.

Who is treated?

Everyone in the affected household who is over 2 years old should be treated for threadworms, even if they do not show symptoms of infection. If a child under 2 years old or a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding requires treatment it is advised that they speak with a GP first.

Side effects

• Common (up to 1 in 10): stomach pain

• Uncommon (up to 1 in 100): diarrhoea, wind

• Rare (up to 1 in 1 000) - stop using this medicine and seek immediate medical help: convulsions, allergy, skin rashes and itching possibly alongside fever

How to take mebendazole

Mebendazole oral suspension 100mg/5ml: Take one 5ml dose (one dosing cup)

Mebendazole 100mg tablet: Take one tablet

SECOND DOSE: It is highly recommended that a second dose is taken after 2 weeks.

General advice

It is advised that people infected with threadworms and the rest of the household follow some hygiene measures for at least 6 weeks after treatment to help get rid of the infection and prevent reoccurrence:

• Keep short fingernails

• No nail itching or finger sucking

• Wear clothes in bed

• Wash thoroughly around the bottom in the morning

• Provide an exclusive towel for each household member

• Change clothes regularly

• Regularly wash bedclothes

• Don’t shake clothing or bedding, to prevent eggs landing on other surfaces

• Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth

• Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces, using hot water

• Thoroughly wash hands and nails regularly including after using the toilet and before eating

• Disinfect the toilet seat and handle regularly

• Place toothbrushes in a cupboard and rinse them before use

Do children need to be kept off school?

No, children do not need to be kept off school provided they are treated and the general hygiene advice has been followed.

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