What is Threadworm and How Can I Treat It?

Threadworms, also known as Pinworms, infect the intestines and lay eggs around your anus, which causes uncomfortable itching. For this reason, this condition is also called Itchy Bottom. Most commonly found in children, threadworm is not typically serious and can be treated easily and quickly with over-the-counter anti-parasitic medications such as Ovex. 

What is Threadworm?

Threadworms are parasitic worms that live in the intestines and anus of people with enterobiasis. Threadworms are thin and small (about 6.4mm to 13mm long) with a white or light grey color.

Threadworms are treated with over-the-counter medications and strict hygiene measures because the medicine kills the worms but not their eggs which can live up to two weeks. During this time, it is critical to follow strict hygiene practices to keep the area clean and wash hands and clothes thoroughly.

Everyone in your household should be treated at the same time, even if you don’t have symptoms. Threadworms spread very easily from one person to another which is why

How Do Threadworms Spread?

Pinworm infection occurs when someone (unintentionally) swallows threadworms eggs.

 This is typically how it happens:

  • Threadworms lay their eggs around the anus.
  • When an individual scratches or touches the anus, the eggs then get stuck on the fingers and hands if they don’t wash their hands.
  • The Threadworm eggs are then spread to other people and surfaces that they touch. They then swallow them when eat or touch their mouth.
  • The eggs infect the intestines after they’ve passed through the digestive system. Then eggs hatch and create more Threadworms.
  • Once hatched, the female Threadworms work their way to the anus to lay their eggs.

Threadworm eggs can survive up to 2-3 weeks on fingers, hands, and on surfaces such as toiled seats, linens, or clothing. The eggs are so tiny that you can’t see them with the naked eye, only with a microscope.

This is quite common in children because they are still learning hygiene practices and are more susceptible to catching it and spreading it to others without knowing it.

THREADWORM TREATMENT

You can treat threadworm infections with an oral anti-parasitic medication that kills the worms. Doctors recommend that you take one dose right away and a second dose two weeks later to kill all the remaining worms and eggs.  To reduce the risk of re-infection, pediatricians recommend that the family members and caregivers of an infected child be treated, as well.

OTC Medications commonly used to treat Threadworms are:

PREVENTION

How can I prevent pinworm infections?

The most effective way for preventing threadworm is by practicing cleanliness in the following ways:

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Keep frequently used surfaces clean
  • Shower regularly
  • Keep fingernails trimmed
  • Avoid touching the anus
  • Wash underclothes, towels, and sheets frequently

 

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