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Threadworms
- Also known as pinworms
- Common in young children
- Look like short pieces of white cotton about 5-10mm long
The threadworm cycle
Signs and symptoms
- Itching around the anus or vagina, especially at night
- Threadworms on the outside of a bowel motion or around the anus (like short pieces of white cotton, about 5-10mm long)
- Loss of sleep due to itching may lead to tiredness and irritability during the day
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Finding threadworms
- Look for worms on the outside surface of bowel motions. Do not mistake fluff or threads for threadworms- look for movement
- In the morning before bathing, press a piece of sticky tape over the anus. If there are any eggs, eggs will stick to the tape. Have a doctor to check under the microscope
- Worms may be seen moving around the anus at night, often about an hour after going to bed
Self care
- Wash and iron bed linen, sleepwear, underwear and towels. The heat of the iron can kill the eggs. Do not shake the bed linen indoors as this can spread eggs around.
- Scrub fingernails to remove eggs. Stop children from nail biting or thumb sucking.
- Keep nails short and clean
- Dress children in sleeping suits to prevent eggs being picked up on fingers or under fingernails when scratching.
- Vacuum furniture, bedrooms and the entire toilet to remove any eggs.
- Encourage everyone to wash their hands when looking after infected children, after using the toilet and before handling food.
Medicines
- Mebendazole (Vermox tablet or suspension)
- Albendazole (Zentel tablet or suspension)
- Effective, single dose treatment
- Reinfection is common and a second dose can be given after 2-3 weeks
- Occasionally abdominal pain and diarrhoea may occur
- Not recommended for pregnant women
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