There are types of worm that can live and thrive inside our bodies causing health problems. The commonest such worm is the threadworm - sometimes known as the pinworm.
Threadworms are very, very much smaller than the garden earthworm but are visible to the naked eye they appear as thin white strands up to a centimetre long, looking like desiccated coconut or threads of white cotton around the anal margin or actually coating the stool.
They can live inside our gut. But come out, usually at night, to lay eggs on the skin around the anus. The eggs attach by a sticky substance that causes itching. To complete their life cycle the eggs must reach the mouth of another person and be swallowed back into the gut.
This sounds unlikely but is in fact common. Itching leads to scratching and some people dont wash their hands after toileting.
As a result they may unwittingly have the invisible eggs on their hands or under their fingernails. They can reinfect themselves or pass on the infection when touching others. The cycle is completed fingers touch the mouth and eggs are swallowed.
Threadworm infection is commoner in young children for this reason. They are more likely to have poor hand hygiene and more likely to put their fingers in their mouths.
Threadworms cause itching which is usually around the ano- rectal region and more noticeable at night. Infection can result in: - marked soreness
- discomfort when urinating
- bedwetting
- sleep deprivation
- irritability.
A story of perianal itching, worse at night with the characteristic white threads noted on the stool is enough to confirm infection. Lab tests are usually not necessary.
Thankfully, treatment is simple and usually involves a one off dose of medication such as mebendazole or piperazine. There is little in the way of side effects and both medicines come in a liquid or tablet form.
All family members must be treated as some people do not show any symptoms of infection
Specific advice should be sought from a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or your child is under 2 years of age.
After treatment infection may take up to two weeks to clear
During this time simple measures will help to prevent re- infection and further spread
-ensure hand washing after using the toilet
-use a nail brush
-keep fingernails trimmed
-bath after waking
-avoid hand to mouth contact
-avoid finger feeding (use cutlery)
-wear nightclothes or pants in bed
-wash nightclothes and bed linen daily
Remember, threadworm infection is rarely serious and the real key to preventing this and other infections is washing hands properly after using the toilet.
Keep clean, keep well.
If you are unsure in anyway about your health then get checked out. Seek advice from your family doctor, nurse or clinic.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
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@MrLatif03 Don't panic! I get them often too. Just do what she said and don't worry about telling your parents. It'll be fine! Just talk to your GP and they'll probably suggest that you start taking the ovex tablets you saw in the video. Those ones are better. Good luck! :)
uttoxeter1001 1 month ago
@Viperclan2 i do not know but i get them too and they are SOOOOOO itchy i HATE them just take the tablets and they will go away :D
1704selina 2 months ago
Help I think I have worms, I've had them on and off for 4 years now. It is so annoying and stops me from concentrating and sleeping properly. They go after a while for several months but then return. I am too shy to ask my parents to take me to the GP and I am not the right age to go by myself (I'm under 18). I know it will go after a while but I don't want it to return.
Please someone tell me what to do!
MrLatif03 3 months ago
i had this when i was 3 yrs old...smh the itching was unbearable
1andonlybabyt 3 months ago
i had pinworms and i didnt have any of those systoms
Chony2000 3 months ago
hi, is it the garlic are effective to get rid of pinworms for a child 2 yr old?
twinkeez09 5 months ago
Just go to the pharmacist and ask for some Combantrin (Mebendazole) or other worming medication. They usually come in chocolate squares so their easy to take. Its quite normal for worms to go into your vagina. Your mum won't be mad and she and the rest of the family may need to be treated too. That may include the family pet as that commonly is where they come from. No need to be scared or to get them out. The medicine takes care of it quickly. One of the hazards of being human. Good luck ;o)
889357k 6 months ago
And I'm scared to tell my mom! D:
Viperclan2 6 months ago
I'm REALLY scared. I have these, I think, and I'm a girl, and I think some of them went into my... you know what... (not my bum!) D: How do I get them out?
Viperclan2 6 months ago
@ProfessorH0b0 If you have an itchy bum mostly at night there could be a chance you have worms. The little blighters come out at night, don't ask me why. Go see your doctor, mine's was a woman. She gave me Vermox. I took 1 tablet & then a second tablet 2 weeks later. I had them for years. Your Dr has seen everything, go for it, You will be amazed by the results after your first tablet.
scotsguy77 6 months ago