What is Threadworm?
Threadworms (which are also known as Pinworms) are thin white roundworms which are about one centimetre long. They live in the intestine of humans and whilst anyone can be infected with threadworm they are most common in young children.
Symptoms of Threadworm
Usually the first sign seen by parents of a child infected with threadworm is the child scratching his or her bottom. This itchiness around the back passage is due to an allergic reaction caused by substances in the threadworm eggs which are laid around the anal area. Itching tends to be worse at night and this is because the female threadworms emerge at night to lay their eggs. The threadworm eggs are stuck to the skin by an irritant fluid.
How does Threadworm spread?
Threadworm is spread from person to person and generally starts with children in a family. When the child scratches around the back passage eggs are transferred to the fingers. These may then be passed on to others on food or articles such as toys. If the recipient does not wash their hands before eating the eggs will enter the digestive tract of that person and they will become infected with threadworm.
Some ways to avoid the spread of threadworm include:
- Good handwashing particularly before eating and after toilet use
- A child with threadworms should be showered in the morning and the anal area washed well - this will remove eggs deposited during the night
- Childrens finger nails should be kept short so that eggs cannot become lodged under them
- Underwear should be changed daily
If several family members are infected they should all be treated at the same time.
Treatment of Threadworm
Threadworm can be easily treated by medication bought over the counter (not requiring a doctors prescription). Two dose are required with the second dose given two weeks after the first.All bedding, towels and nightclothes should be washed on a hot wash on the same day as treatment is given.