Threadworms
What are threadworms ?
Threadworms live in the bowel and around the bottom.
They are tiny white worms about half an inch long which look like “threads” of white cotton—hence the name threadworms.
Are they harmful ?
Threadworms are generally harmless. They can cause irritation around the bottom, which can be distressing and embarrassing for the sufferer and can be aggravated by scratching. Threadworms do not usually cause any long term damage.
How common are threadworms ?
Threadworms are a very common problem, particularly in children. It does not mean your family or your home are not clean. It is estimated that many children below the age of 10 years are infected with threadworms, but many may not have the “itching” symptoms.
How can i tell if someone has threadworms ?
The most common sign is scratching of the bottom, particularly at night. This may be associated with disturbed sleep and irritability and so the scratching may not be noticed. Some people show no symptoms of infection.
Where do threadworms come from ?
Threadworms spread by producing large numbers of tiny eggs. The eggs are so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye.
They may be present in house dust; they stick to
clothing, carpets, towels and bed linen; they can also be picked up in garden soil, on unwashed vegetables
and salads, or from contact with someone who already has worms.
Because the eggs are
so small and so widespread it is easy for them to be swallowed.
When swallowed the eggs
pass into the bowel where they hatch into worms.
When mature, the female threadworm
lays her eggs at night around the bottom.
It is this activity which causes scratching
which allows transfer of eggs to the fingers and fingernails.
Eggs can then be easily transferred to the mouth by finger sucking or nail biting, causing spread to other members of the family by direct contact or via food, towels and bed linen etc.
NB Threadworms only affect humans, they do not affect pets.
How do I treat threadworms ?
Threadworms are very easy to treat. Treatment can be obtained from your GP or pharmacist.
Who needs to be treated ?
Since threadworms can spread so easily, it is recommended that all members of the family are treated at the same time.
General advice for those with threadworms
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Keep nails short
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Avoid nail biting or finger sucking
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Wear pyjamas or underpants in bed
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Bath daily, preferably in the morning, washing thoroughly around the bottom
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Provide a towel for the exclusive use of each child
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Change clothes and bed linen regularly
Do I need to keep my child off school ?
No, as long as the child is treated and the general hygiene measures outlined above are followed, there is no reason to keep a child off school.
How can I stop the problem coming back ?
Threadworms can be treated but unless the following precautions are taken the problem may recur:
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Make sure everyone in the family is treated at the same time
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Scrub fingers and nails with a nail brush after each visit to the toilet and before each meal
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Disinfect the toilet seat, toilet handle or chain and door handle regularly using a bleach based product
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Vacuum and dust bedrooms thoroughly
FURTHER INFORMATION
This page gives general information.
If you require further details, please contact :
Kennet District Council Environmental Health Tel : 01380 724911
Wiltshire Health Protection Agency Tel : 01380 732599
Your GP