Threadworms are common among children and can be treated without a GP appointment (Image: GETTY)
Parents are being urged to monitor their children closely as demand for threadworm treatment has surged by 73% compared to the same period last year, indicating a spike in cases during February 2026. The common parasite can remain viable for up to a fortnight on contaminated surfaces and youngsters can become reinfected even following treatment.
Threadworms, also called pinworms, are minuscule white parasitic worms that inhabit the large intestine and rectum. It’s a highly infectious parasite transmitted when someone swallows threadworm eggs, which can be collected from contaminated surfaces, bedding or hands.
There are five key signs of threadworms, some of which may only become apparent at night or following a trip to the toilet. The most prevalent symptom is severely itchy skin around the anus, especially during the night.
Other threadworm symptoms include, according to the NHS:
- Irritability or waking up during the night
- weight loss
- wetting the bed
- irritated skin around the anus
READ MORE: Schools on alert as egg-laying stomach worms cause chaos in classrooms
READ MORE: ‘I’m a pharmacist – parents must know the symptoms of threadworms’
Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, explained: « You might also notice small, white thread-like worms in your child’s stool or around their bottom first thing in the morning.
« You catch threadworms by accidentally swallowing their microscopic eggs. These spread very easily through hand-to-mouth contact after touching contaminated surfaces such as toys, bedding, clothing, or by scratching the itchy area where female worms lay their eggs.
« This creates a cycle of reinfection, which is why it can spread so quickly within households, nurseries, and schools. »
The pharmacist cautioned families that even if only one member is showing symptoms, everyone may need treatment and should exercise extreme vigilance. He said: « As the eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks, it’s not uncommon for the whole family to require treatment at the same time, even if only one person has symptoms. Alongside medication, strict hygiene measures are essential to break the cycle of infection. »
The infection can be treated by pharmacists without requiring a GP appointment. Budd explained they will typically direct people towards medications such as Ovex and Vermox, which contain mebendazole, an antiparasitic medication.
He urged parents to adhere to the treatment protocol and follow some key guidance to prevent further infections within the household: « These treatments work by killing the worms, although they do not kill the eggs, which is why a second dose is often needed after two weeks.
« In addition to treatment, families should ensure that they are washing their hands thoroughly and regularly, keeping fingernails short, changing underwear and bedding daily for at least two weeks, and cleaning household surfaces frequently. »
Further measures to prevent a threadworm infection from spreading include frequent handwashing and maintaining a strict morning hygiene routine, which should involve washing the anal area to remove any eggs deposited overnight. He continued: « Change and wash clothing and bedding daily. Underwear, pyjamas, bed linen, and towels should be washed on a hot cycle for at least two weeks to help remove lingering eggs.
« Keep fingernails short and discourage scratching. Eggs can collect under fingernails and easily transfer to the mouth or other surfaces. Wearing close-fitting underwear at night can also help reduce scratching during sleep.
« With prompt treatment and consistent hygiene measures, threadworm can usually be cleared effectively within a few weeks. »
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.
Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Source link
