Threadworm (also known as pinworm).
How threadworm is spread:
- By swallowing eggs
- The eggs are hatched around the anus causing itching
- When itched, the eggs stay on the fingers and the eggs can spread to surfaces touched.
- Others who touch the surface and put hand in mouth leads to infection.
- Eggs can last up to 2 weeks
- Eggs swallowed turn into threadworm about 1-2 months after ingested. This can cause a potential infection cycle if not careful.
- The worms typically live for up to 6 weeks
Main symptoms of threadworm include:
- Small pieces of what looks like white thread (the worms) in your poo.
- Extremely itchy or irritated skin around the anus or vagina, especially at night.
- Weight loss (less common)
- Wetting bed (less common)
TREATMENT:
OVEX (Mebendazole) 100mg or 5mL of 100mg/5mL flavoured suspension
OVEX tablet (Mebendazole) – chewable and flavoured tablet (child-friendly)
May also be known as Vermox – this one is only available with a valid prescription.
The treatment kills the worms in the body.
For 2 years+
Do NOT use Ovex/Vermox if breastfeeding or pregnant.
One dose to WHOLE household (whether affected or not)
If reinfection suspected (check stool to see if worms still present) – give ONE more dose to everyone after TWO weeks. This ensures any extra worms from hatched eggs just before first dose given are also killed (Ovex only kills the worms not the eggs).
Good hygiene to break cycle of re-infection.
Can be reinfected even after treatment from new threadworms.
Hygeine methods for 6 weeks can work if treatment not suitable:
- Wash hands and fingernails regularly
- Keep fingernails short
- Rinse toothbrushes before brushing
- Wash clothes worn, towels used etc every day at a warm temperature until many days after got better
- Disinfect surfaces with hot water
- Wear underwear at night to be changed in morning
- Do not shake clothing or bedding (eggs may land on other surfaces)
- Avoid sharing items
Other advice:
- No need to keep children off school/or to stay off work
Complications
Complications of threadworm are rare but can include:
- Secondary infection due to intense scratching.
- Sleep disturbances due to discomfort and extreme itching
See a doctor if:
- Recently travelled abroad (likelier to be other types of worms such as tapeworm)
- Treatment fails (even with repeated dose after 2 weeks and symptoms persist)
- Under 2 years
- You are continuing to feel worse, especially despite treatment.
SOURCES:
Shobz Pharmacy 