Treating threadworms
What are threadworms?
Threadworms are small, thin, white, thread-like worms between 2 mm and 13 mm long. They infect human guts (intestines). Worms can be found in anyone at any age, although they are more common in children and spread easily. They are often unharmful, but they can lead to discomfort around the back passage due to itchy anus
Symptoms of threadworms
-Threadworms can be spot in your poo. It looks like pieces of white thread.
Other symptoms can include:
-extreme itching around the anus or vagina, particularly at night
-irritability and waking up during the night
Less common signs of worms include:
-weight loss
-wetting the bed
-irritated skin around the anus
Treating threadworms
Ok, so now here is the part you have eagerly been awaiting. But before we start there is just a few more points to consider courtesy of NHS;
Don’t
- do not shake clothing or bedding, to prevent eggs landing on other surfaces
- do not share towels or flannels
- do not bite nails or suck thumbs and fingers
Medication
Phew, now we have got through the list of measures above. The name of the medication used to treat threadworm over the counter is Mebendazole.
Ok, so Mebendazole works by preventing the worms from absorbing sugars which they need to survive. This kills the worm within a few days. Although mebendazole kills adult worms, it does not kill the eggs. Because of this it is important to break the cycle of re-infection. This can be done by treating everyone living in your house at the same time (even if they do not have any symptoms), and by following the advice given in the section below called ‘Getting the most from your treatment’, to prevent re-infection.
You can buy Ovex a Threadworm treatment containing Mebendazole by clicking below
-
Ovex – 1 Threadworm Treatment Tablet£10.79 incl.VAT -
Ovex Family Pack – 4 Threadworm Treatment Tablets£10.79 incl.VAT
1.nhs.uk. 2020. Threadworms. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/> [Accessed 18 October 2020].
2.Stewart, M., 2020. Mebendazole. [online] Patient.info. Available at: <https://patient.info/medicine/mebendazole-vermox-ovex> [Accessed 18 October 2020].
Do
- wash hands and scrub under fingernails – particularly before eating, after using the toilet or changing nappies
- encourage children to wash hands regularly
- bathe or shower every morning
- rinse toothbrushes before using them
- keep fingernails short
- wash sleepwear, sheets, towels and soft toys (at normal temperature)
- disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- vacuum and dust with a damp cloth
- make sure children wear underwear at night – change it in the morning
Don’t
- do not shake clothing or bedding, to prevent eggs landing on other surfaces
- do not share towels or flannels
- do not bite nails or suck thumbs and fingers
Medication
Phew, now we have got through the list of measures above. The name of the medication used to treat threadworm over the counter is Mebendazole.
Ok, so Mebendazole works by preventing the worms from absorbing sugars which they need to survive. This kills the worm within a few days. Although mebendazole kills adult worms, it does not kill the eggs. Because of this it is important to break the cycle of re-infection. This can be done by treating everyone living in your house at the same time (even if they do not have any symptoms), and by following the advice given in the section below called ‘Getting the most from your treatment’, to prevent re-infection.
You can buy Ovex a Threadworm treatment containing Mebendazole by clicking below
1.nhs.uk. 2020. Threadworms. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/> [Accessed 18 October 2020].
2.Stewart, M., 2020. Mebendazole. [online] Patient.info. Available at: <https://patient.info/medicine/mebendazole-vermox-ovex> [Accessed 18 October 2020].
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
