Infections
Medicines for Threadworms
A very common and harmless intestinal worm infection, especially in children, causing an itchy bottom — easily treated with medicine and strict hygiene for the whole household.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Threadworms?
Threadworms (pinworms) are tiny white worms, about a centimetre long, that live in the intestines and are a very common infection, particularly in young children. The female worms come out at night to lay eggs around the bottom, causing itching (especially at night) that can disturb sleep; sometimes the thread-like worms are seen in the stool or around the bottom.
- How it is treated: Treatment is straightforward and effective: an anti-worm medicine, available from pharmacies, is usually taken by the affected person and all household members at the same time, because the infection spreads so easily and others may have it without symptoms.
- Self-care: Strict hygiene breaks the cycle: wash hands and scrub nails (especially before eating and after the toilet), keep nails short, discourage scratching, bathe or shower in the morning to remove eggs, wash bedding and nightwear, and damp-dust surfaces — for about two weeks.
- When to seek help: A pharmacist can usually advise and provide treatment.
What it is
Threadworms (pinworms) are tiny white worms, about a centimetre long, that live in the intestines and are a very common infection, particularly in young children. The female worms come out at night to lay eggs around the bottom, causing itching (especially at night) that can disturb sleep; sometimes the thread-like worms are seen in the stool or around the bottom. The infection spreads easily when eggs are picked up on the fingers (for example after scratching) and transferred to the mouth, or via surfaces, bedding and toys. It is harmless and does not mean poor hygiene, but it spreads readily, so whole-household treatment is usual.
How it is treated
Treatment is straightforward and effective: an anti-worm medicine, available from pharmacies, is usually taken by the affected person and all household members at the same time, because the infection spreads so easily and others may have it without symptoms. Alongside the medicine, strict hygiene measures for about two weeks are essential to break the cycle and prevent reinfection — as eggs can survive on surfaces. In young children and pregnancy, hygiene measures may be recommended first, so a pharmacist or GP can advise on the right approach.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Threadworms
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Strict hygiene breaks the cycle: wash hands and scrub nails (especially before eating and after the toilet), keep nails short, discourage scratching, bathe or shower in the morning to remove eggs, wash bedding and nightwear, and damp-dust surfaces — for about two weeks.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
A pharmacist can usually advise and provide treatment. See a GP for threadworms in children under 2, in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if the infection keeps coming back despite treatment and hygiene measures.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Threadworms: frequently asked questions
Do threadworms mean poor hygiene?
No. Threadworms are very common, especially in children, and are easily caught however clean you are. They are harmless and easily treated.
Why does the whole family need treating?
Threadworms spread very easily, and household members may be infected without symptoms, so treating everyone at once (with hygiene measures) prevents the infection bouncing back.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Threadworms
- NICE CKS — Threadworm
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