Threadworm

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasites that affect the large intestines in the human body. Threadworm infections are most commonly observed in young children and cause itching around the anus. Threadworms are identifiable in the stool. Treating threadworm infection is simple and can be successfully cleared with a single dose of medication. 

What are threadworms? 

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are prevalent parasites that cause an infection in the large intestines. The medical condition associated with threadworm infestation is called enterobiasis. Threadworms are the most common type of worm infection. These worms are called parasites, as they use the human body or intestines to survive and reproduce. The threadworms that infect humans cannot infect any other animals. 

Adult threadworms are only just 5 to 10mm in length, roughly the size of a staple. These worms are white and look like short pieces of thread. They have a life span of up to 6 weeks. 

The population in the U.K  that is most commonly infected with threadworms is children under the age of 10. 

Causes and how threadworms spread

The leading cause of threadworm infection is inadequate hygiene.  

Mature female threadworms can lay thousands of microscopic eggs at a time around the anus and vagina area. Threadworms spread when they get stuck on a person’s fingertips when a person scratches their anus to relieve the itching caused by the mature female tapeworm laying eggs. The eggs can then be transferred from the person’s anus or vagina area to:

• Towels
• Carpets
• Bed sheets
• Clothes and underwear
• towels

The threadworm eggs are not visible to the naked eye. Thus they can easily be transferred to surfaces or clothes. If other people touch the infected surfaces, they can then transfer the threadworm eggs to their mouths. 

Threadworm eggs can survive up to 2 weeks on surfaces before hatching. If the eggs hatch in and around the anus, the juvenile worms can re-enter the intestines, starting the maturation and reproduction cycle. It takes two weeks for juvenile worms to fully mature and start reproducing. 

Diagnosis 

The following test can be used to confirm a diagnosis of threadworms:

• Tape Test. for this test, your doctor places clear cellophane tape against the skin around the anus. The tape is then placed under a microscope. People can apply the tape themselves and take the sample to the doctor. The best time to administer the tape test is in the morning, as the female worm tends to lay eggs at night.  
• Moistened swab. A nurse or doctor takes a moistened swab from the area around the anus and places it under the microscope. 
• Sighting a threadworm. Occasionally, threadworms can be visible in the anal area, underwear, or toilet. They are present in stools and look like white threads. The male threadworm will not be commonly seen as it remains in the intestines, unlike the female worm that lays her eggs in the anus. The best time to check for threadworms is at night when the female comes out to lay eggs. 

If a single person in the family is diagnosed with a threadworm infection, all other family members that live in the household need to be treated as well, even if they present with no symptoms. 

Treatment of threadworm infections 

Treatment for threadworm infections is straightforward and often wholly treated with a single dose of anti-worm medicine. If you live in a household, you need to ensure that everyone takes the treatment simultaneously to ensure that no unhatched eggs are carried around. 

These medications work immediately but may take up to several days to kill all the worms, depending on the severity of the infection. If necessary, a second dose may be needed after two weeks. 

Medication for adults and children over the age of 2 that is recommended for the treatment of threadworm infection: 

• Mebendazole. This medication is available over-the-counter and stops the worms from being able to absorb sugar (glucose) in the body. The adult worms will be killed in a few days. This medicine does not kill eggs. 
• Albendazole. It is a similar medication to Mebendazole, as it blocks the worms from absorbing sugar, killing them in a few days. 
• Pyrantel pamoate. This is an over-the-counter medication that paralyzes threadworms. A second dose will need to be taken two weeks after the first. 

Things to do at home to avoid recurring threadworm infection

It is important to adhere to strict hygiene measures during and after treatment to prevent the spreading of unhatched eggs and becoming reinfected. 

Do:

• Shower or bath every morning
• Keep fingernails clean and short
• Vacuum and dust regularly 
• Wash hands and under the nails before eating, changing nappies, or using the toilet
• Encourage children to wash their hands regularly
• Frequently disinfect bathroom and kitchen surfaces
• Wash towels, sheets, soft toys, and sleepwear at a hot temperature
• Rinse toothbrushes before using them 
• Wear underwear at night 

Do not:

• Do not bite your nails or suck your fingers
• Do not shake clothing or bedding to prevent any eggs from being spread to other surfaces
• Do not share towels or washcloths 

When to see a doctor 

You can buy medication and advice to treat threadworms from pharmacies without a prescription. You will only need to see a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and think you have a threadworm infection.