ABOUT THREADWORMS
How common are threadworms?
Around 40% of children under the age of ten will get threadworms at some stage, so it is a very common condition. However, it’s not always easy to recognise the symptoms, or know what to do if you find them!
How do I know if my child has threadworms?
The most common symptoms are:
How did my child get threadworms?
Threadworms come from eggs which are so small, you can’t actually see them. The eggs stick under the fingernails and can be swallowed. This is the beginning of the threadworm life cycle.
Where do threadworm eggs come from?
Threadworms can be found in:
Are threadworms dangerous?
No, threadworms are harmless, but the intense itching they cause can be very uncomfortable and can cause bed-wetting. Treatment is simple and readily available from your pharmacist without prescription.
What is the threadworm lifecycle?
Once the eggs have been swallowed, they hatch out in the gut, and the adult worms cling to the gut wall.
Female threadworms come out of the bottom at night and lay eggs. The sticky eggs cause itching, so when the bottom is scratched...
... the eggs are transferred to the fingers and then to the mouth which continues the cycle.
If my child has threadworms, should I keep them off school?
No, there is no reason to keep them off school, though you should let the school know as this is where threadworms are most likely to be passed on.
Will the rest of the family get threadworms as well?
Threadworms can spread very easily between family members, therefore the whole family should be treated to prevent cross-infection between family members.
How can I treat threadworms?
Treatment is easy. Just ask your pharmacist for Pripsen.
Is there anything else I can do?
You can help prevent the spread of threadworms by:
- Washing hands and scrubbing fingernails with a nailbrush before eating and after going to the lavatory
- Keeping underclothes, pyjamas and bed linen as clean as possible
- Bathing or showering regularly
- Using different towels and flannels for each member of the family
- Clean bedrooms and bathrooms as often as possible
- Regularly vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Keeping fingernails short and clean
- Discouraging children from scratching their bottoms, biting their nails or picking their noses
All these suggestions should be followed for six weeks after any infection, to minimise the risk of re-infection.
Remember, threadworms are a common ailment with a simple solution - if you have any questions about them, please talk to your health visitor, school nurse or local pharmacist.
This information is available in a handy leaflet. Click here to download a printer friendly version, or request one by post.
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