What should you know about dead threadworms?

Dead worms may appear in the stool or on toilet tissue. Their presence does not by itself confirm that every worm or egg has gone, because eggs can remain around the anus and on household surfaces.

Threadworms, also called pinworms, live in the intestine. At night, adult females can move to the skin around the anus and lay eggs, often causing itching. Scratching can transfer eggs to fingers, under fingernails, clothing, bedding, towels, and nearby surfaces.

A dead worm can be a sign that treatment is taking effect, or that a worm has naturally passed out of the body. It is still possible for eggs to hatch later or for another household member to carry the infection, so follow the treatment instructions and hygiene advice given by a pharmacist or clinician.

Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, after changing underwear, and before eating or preparing food. Keep fingernails short, avoid nail biting, and bathe or shower regularly, paying attention to the area around the anus.

Change underwear and sleepwear regularly, wash bedding and towels, and clean frequently touched bathroom surfaces. Avoid shaking bedding, because this can spread eggs. Do not repeat or share medicine unless a pharmacist or clinician advises it; some treatments require a follow-up dose to deal with worms that hatch later.

If symptoms continue or you are unsure whether the material was a worm, arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).

Seek medical advice if itching continues after the advised treatment, worms keep appearing, several people in the household have symptoms, or the person affected is very young, pregnant, or taking regular medicines. A pharmacist or GP can check the diagnosis and recommend suitable treatment.

Get prompt assessment for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, blood in the stool, marked weakness, or fever. Threadworms do not explain every stomach or bowel symptom; read more about [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) when pain is a concern.

For a child with new or worsening night-time wetting, discuss it with a clinician rather than assuming threadworms are the cause. See [Bedwetting](/symptoms/bedwetting/) for related guidance.

Ask whether the appearance is consistent with a threadworm, whether other household members should be treated, when any repeat dose is due, and how long hygiene measures should continue. Mention ongoing itching, abdominal symptoms, pregnancy, the person’s age, and any medicines already taken.