What are threadworms?

Threadworms are tiny parasites that look like tiny pieces of white thread.

Threadworms are also sometimes called pinworms, or simply ‘worms’. Threadworm infection is sometimes called enterobiasis.

They grow to about 1cm in length and live in your intestines and around your anus (bottom).

Worms are very common in Australia, especially in children. Threadworms can be easily treated.

What are the symptoms of threadworm infection?

The main symptom caused by worms is itching in around your anus (bottom). This gets worse at night.

Other symptoms may include:

• feeling irritable
• eating less than usual
• seeing adult worms in your poo
• having trouble sleeping because of the itchiness

Scratching can cause redness and sometimes infection around the anus.

Females may get itching in and around the vagina. This can cause vaginal discharge.

Many people who have worms don't have any symptoms.

What causes threadworms?

Threadworms are parasites that live in your intestines.

At night, the worms come out of your anus to lay their eggs. This makes the anus itchy. If you scratch the skin around your anus, the eggs get on your fingers and under your nails. These eggs can then be transferred to your mouth.

Once swallowed, the eggs travel to your intestines where they grow into worms. Their life cycle then repeats.

Threadworm eggs can also be spread by getting in:

• food
• dust
• other objects — such as toys

Humans cannot catch threadworms from animals.

How is threadworm diagnosed?

You may see worms (they will look like small bits of thread) in your bowel motion (poo).

Another way to check for worms is to put clear sticky tape briefly onto the skin around the anus. This should be done first thing in the morning just after waking up and before wiping or bathing. Remove the tape and examine it for eggs.

You can also take this sticky tape to your doctor in a specimen container. They can examine it to diagnose threadworms. Your doctor may also ask for a faeces (poo) sample.

How can I treat a threadworm infection?

Medicines for threadworm infection

Threadworms are easily treated with over-the-counter medicine from your pharmacist. Ask your pharmacist about treatment options.

Follow the instructions on the packet. It's very important to treat your whole family at the same time, even if they don't have symptoms.

You only need to use the treatment if you think you or a member of your family have worms.

Self-care at home

It's best if you shower the night you take threadworm medicine and again the next morning. This removes any eggs laid during the night.

When you start treatment, it's best to change sheets, towels, clothes and underwear daily for a several days. You should wash these things in hot water. Do not shake sheets when you take them off the bed.

Disinfect the toilet seat often with antiseptic cleaner.

You may also want to vacuum often, to remove any eggs on the floor.

What are the complications of threadworm infection?

Treating threadworms does not stop them coming back.

How can I prevent threadworm infection?

You can help prevent threadworm infections by:

• washing your hands — especially before preparing food or eating
• keeping your nails short
• showering daily
• changing to clean underwear, night clothes and bedsheets frequently

You can also encourage your child:

• not to bite their nails or suck their thumb
• not to scratch around their bottom
• not to eat food that has been on the floor

Resources and support

The Royal Children's Hospital has information on threadworms in English and Chinese.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.