Children - Threadworm

Question 1

Threadworms

Answer 1

• Threadworms are tiny parasitic worms that infect the large intestine.
• Worms are white and look like small pieces of thread. Usually can be seen around the anus or in their faeces

Question 2

What you need to know

Answer 2

Age
Signs of infection
- Perianal itching
- Appearance of worms
Other symptoms
Duration
Recent travel abroad
Other family members affected
Medication

Question 3

Who are threadworms most common in?

Answer 3

children < 10 years

Question 4

Symptoms of threadworms

Answer 4

• itchiness around the anus or vagina (worse at night)
• but can also be asymptomatic

Question 5

Red flag symptoms

Answer 5

• Signs of secondary bacterial infection: If perianal skin is broken, and there is signs of weeping
• Fever, bedwetting, vaginal discharge
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss

Question 6

Best time to look at worms

Answer 6

• The best time to try to see the worms is at night, when the female worms come out to lay their eggs.
• If you are trying to see whether your child has threadworms, the best time to look is 2 - 3 hrs after they have fallen asleep.
• The worms may be visible on your child’s bottom, underwear, pyjamas or bed sheets

Question 7

How are threadworms spread?

Answer 7

• Scratching the anus or vagina, or wiping them after defaecation, can cause the eggs to stick to your fingertips/fingernails
• Eggs can be transferred to your mouth, food or objects, such as toys and kitchen utensils.
• Once eggs are swallowed they pass into the intestine, where they hatch. After about 2 weeks the threadworms will have grown into adults, at which point they’ll reproduce and the cycle of infection will start again

Question 8

Threadworm treatment

Answer 8

Ovex family pack suspension
Ovex tablet

2+

Question 9

Ovex

Answer 9

Single dose

Involves a combination of medication to kill the worms and strict hygiene measures to stop the spread of the eggs

• Repeat after 2 weeks if infection persists
• Treat whole family (except pregnant/breastfeeding)
• All household members must be treated, even if they don’t have anysymptoms

Question 10

Non-pharmacological advice

Answer 10

Hygiene measures
- Keep nails short and clean
- Careful washing and scrubbing of hands and nails prior to eating and after each visit to toilet.
- Wash bed linen frequently ideally every day
- Bathe or shower first thing in the morning
- Discourage nail-biting and finger-sucking

Question 11

Referral

Answer 11

< 2 years old
Any doubt about the diagnosis
Treatment failure
Recent travel abroad
Pregnant or breastfeeding