threadworms (pinworms)
also known as: pinworms, enterobius vermicularis, worms
threadworms are the most common worm infection in Australian children. they are tiny white worms (about 1cm long) that live in the gut and come out at night to lay eggs around the anus, causing intense itching. they are harmless but annoying and very easy to catch and spread.
contagious
yes — very easily spread via contaminated hands, surfaces, and bedding
duration
worms die within 2-3 days of treatment, but re-infection is very common
common age
5-10 years (school age, but any age can be affected)
symptoms
- •intense itching around the anus, especially at night
- •disturbed sleep due to itching
- •visible tiny white worms in poo or around the anus (check at night with a torch)
- •irritability
- •loss of appetite in some children
- •redness or scratching around the bottom
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •your child is under 2 years old (some worm treatments are not suitable)
- •treatment has not worked after two rounds
- •you are pregnant or breastfeeding and think you have worms
- •your child has severe stomach pain
- •you see worms that do not look like threadworms (longer, different colour)
when to call 000
call 000 immediately if:
- •threadworms are never a medical emergency
home treatment
- •treat with an over-the-counter worm medicine from the pharmacy (e.g. Combantrin, Vermox)
- •treat the whole family at the same time — even if they have no symptoms
- •give a second dose in 2 weeks to catch any newly hatched worms
- •wash bed linen, towels, and pyjamas in hot water on treatment day
- •shower (not bath) each morning to wash away eggs laid overnight
- •keep fingernails short and clean to prevent re-infection from scratching
- •vacuum and damp-dust bedrooms on treatment day
prevention
- •regular handwashing, especially before eating and after using the toilet
- •keep fingernails short
- •shower each morning
- •discourage nail biting and thumb sucking
- •change and wash underwear daily
- •do not share towels
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.