Threadworms are tiny white worms that live in the bowel. They are very common in children, and they spread easily to the rest of the household. They're not usually serious, and they can be treated with medicine from your pharmacy.
Signs of threadworms
- An itchy bottom, especially at night
- Trouble sleeping or irritability because of the itch
- Small white threads in poo or around the bottom
- In girls, itching around the vagina
How they spread
Threadworms lay eggs around the bottom, usually at night. Scratching transfers the eggs to fingers and under nails. From there they can pass to food, toys, bedding and other people, and be swallowed. Eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks.
Treatment
Pharmacy treatment contains mebendazole, which kills the worms:
- Vermox Mebendazole Tablets
- Vermox Suspension, a liquid that may suit children
These are pharmacy medicines, so we'll ask a few questions before supplying them. Everyone in the household is usually treated on the same day. A second dose after two weeks may be needed if the infection continues; follow the leaflet.
Speak to your GP before treating a child under 2, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hygiene: just as important as medicine
Medicine kills the worms but not the eggs, so hygiene for about six weeks helps stop reinfection:
- Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating.
- Keep fingernails short and discourage nail-biting and thumb-sucking.
- Have a shower or wash around the bottom every morning.
- Wear close-fitting underwear at night and change it every morning.
- Wash bedding, towels and nightwear on a hot wash on the day of treatment.
- Don't share towels or flannels.
- Vacuum and damp-dust, especially bedrooms and bathrooms.
See your GP if
- Symptoms continue after treatment
- Your child is under 2
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- There is a rash, broken skin or soreness around the bottom
Browse our children's health range, and read our checklist for your child's medicine cabinet.
Always read the label and patient information leaflet. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist.