Threadworms (Pinworms)

Question 1

What is the most common symptom of threadworm infection?

Answer 1

Intense perianal itching, typically worse at night

Question 2

How are threadworms (pinworms) transmitted?

Answer 2

Faecal-oral route when eggs are ingested, often through contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects

Question 3

How can threadworms be identified?

Answer 3

Seeing thin, white, thread-like worms in stool or around the anus, especially at night

Question 4

Who should be treated when one household member has threadworms?

Answer 4

All household members, including those without symptoms, to prevent reinfection

Question 5

What medicine is recommended for treating threadworms?

Answer 5

Mebendazole, given as a single dose for adults and children over 2 years; may need to repeat after 14 days due to risk of reinfection

Question 6

Is mebendazole suitable for all ages?

Answer 6

No; it is licensed for children over 2 years. For those under 2 years, and in pregnancy or breastfeeding, hygiene measures alone are recommended

Question 7

How long should hygiene measures be continued if using medication?

Answer 7

• For 2 weeks if taking medicine
• For 6 weeks if using hygiene measures alone

Question 8

What hygiene measures should be taken alongside medication?

Answer 8

• Wash hands and scrub under fingernails before eating and after using the toilet
• Shower every morning
• Change and wash sleepwear, bed linen, towels, and soft toys daily for several days
• Keep fingernails short
• Disinfect surfaces
• Vacuum and damp-dust regularly
• Wear underwear at night and change in the morning.

Question 9

How long can threadworm eggs survive outside the body?

Answer 9

Up to 2 weeks on surfaces, bedding, clothing, and toys