How to treat threadworms

Medicine targets the worms in the intestine, while hygiene reduces eggs that may be on hands, under fingernails, clothing or bedding. Eggs can remain around the home and be swallowed after touching the mouth. This is why symptoms can return even when the first treatment was taken correctly. Itching around the anus, restless sleep and visible fine white worms are common clues, but other causes of itching should be considered when the picture is unclear.

Ask a pharmacist or doctor which medicine and dose are suitable. Check carefully before treating a child, someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone with other medical conditions. Follow the label about whether a second dose is needed. Everyone in the household may need advice at the same time. Wash hands after toileting and before meals, keep nails short, avoid nail biting, shower in the morning, change underwear daily, and launder sleepwear, towels and bedding. Do not share towels, and clean bathroom touch points.

Book a GP consultation when itching persists after the recommended course, keeps recurring, or affects sleep and daily life. Get prompt medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, fever with worsening illness or a very swollen abdomen. Do not keep taking repeated doses without checking the diagnosis and product instructions.

Ask whether the symptoms fit threadworms, which household members require treatment, how to manage a missed dose, and when persistent symptoms should be investigated for another cause. Bring the medicine packaging if you are unsure what was taken.