Home treatment for threadworms

Threadworms are small intestinal worms whose eggs can pass from the skin around the anus to fingers, clothing, bedding and household surfaces. Scratching can move eggs back to the mouth, allowing the cycle to continue. Night-time itching is common, but some people have few symptoms. Pinworms and enterobiasis are other names for the same infection.

Medicine can kill worms, but hygiene is needed because eggs may remain in the home and a dose may not remove every newly swallowed egg. A pharmacist or clinician can advise which product is suitable, especially for a young child, pregnancy, breastfeeding or repeated infection.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, after changing underwear and before eating. Keep fingernails short, discourage nail biting and wash the area around the anus each morning. Showering in the morning can remove eggs deposited overnight.

Change underwear and night clothes regularly, wash sleepwear, towels and bed linen at a hot temperature suitable for the fabric, and avoid shaking laundry. Clean frequently touched bathroom surfaces. Follow the medicine label or the clinician's instructions; household members may need coordinated treatment, and a repeat dose may be advised.

Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms continue after the recommended treatment, return repeatedly, or the diagnosis is uncertain. Medical advice is also sensible when itching is severe, the skin is broken from scratching, or abdominal pain develops alongside the suspected infection.

Seek prompt assessment for a child who is unusually unwell, has persistent vomiting, marked abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. Bedwetting or disturbed sleep may have several causes, so these symptoms deserve assessment rather than being automatically attributed to threadworms.

Ask which medicine and dose fit the person's age, whether other household members should be treated, when a repeat dose is appropriate, and which cleaning measures matter most. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, regular medicines, allergies and any previous treatment.