Threadworms are tiny worms in your poo. They’re common in children and spread easily. You can treat them at home without the need to visit your GP.

You can spot worms in your poo, they look like pieces of white thread. You might also see them around your child’s bottom (anus). The worms usually come out at night while your child is sleeping.

Other symptoms can include:

  • extreme itching around the anus or vagina, particularly at night
  • irritability and waking up during the night

Less common signs of worms include:

  • weight loss
  • wetting the bed
  • irritated skin around the anus

 

Managing your Condition...

Medicine kills the threadworms, but it doesn’t kill the eggs. Eggs can live for up to 2 weeks outside the body. There are things you can do to stop becoming infected again.

Do... Don't...
  • Wash hands and scrub under fingernails – particularly before eating, after using the toilet or changing nappies
  • shake clothing or bedding, to prevent eggs landing on other surfaces
  • Encourage children to wash hands regularly
  • share towels or flannels
  • Bathe or shower every morning
  • bite nails or suck thumbs and fingers
  • Rinse toothbrushes before using them
  • You don’t need to stay off school, nursery or work with threadworms
  • Keep fingernails short

 
  • Wash sleepwear, sheets, towels and soft toys (at normal temperature)

 
  • Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces

 
  • Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth

 
  • Make sure children wear underwear at night – change it in the morning

 

 

How can I avoid Threadworms?

Threadworms spread when their eggs are swallowed. They lay eggs around your anus, which make it itchy. The eggs get stuck on your fingers when you scratch. They can then pass on to anything you touch, including:

  • clothes
  • toys
  • toothbrushes
  • kitchen or bathroom surfaces
  • bedding
  • food
  • pets

Eggs can then pass to other people when they touch these surfaces and touch their mouth. They take around 2 weeks to hatch.  This is why it’s important to wash hands regularly.

 

How do I treat?

You can easily treat threadworm at home without the need to visit the GP. You can buy medicine for threadworms from pharmacies;

  • This is usually a chewable tablet or liquid you swallow
  • Treat everyone in your household, even if they don’t have symptoms
  • Tell the pharmacist if you need to treat a child under 2, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding as treatment might not be suitable and you may need to speak to a GP.

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When should I see a GP?

Threadworms can easily be treated at home without the needs to see your GP; however if you are pregnant or if your child is under 2 you may need to visit the GP for treatment. Ask your pharmacist first for more advice.