Threadworm, or pinworm, is a parasite which resembles a piece of pale cotton thread and thrives in the intestine. Infection begins when microscopic eggs are swallowed (or inhaled) and grow into adult worms around one centimetre long. They then spend four weeks busily mating until the male dies and is defecated out. The female waits until the unsuspecting host is still, usually at night, and then emerges from the anus to lay thousands of sticky eggs around the orifice. In girls, these might also be laid around and inside the vagina or urethra. She then also dies, having produced up to 16,000 eggs.
Transmission of Threadworm
The sticky eggs itch, so children scratch them and get them on their fingers, reinfecting themselves or transmitting the worm to others via bedclothes, toilet seats, towels, toys and door handles. When the eggs lose their stickiness they float through the air, settling everywhere as dust. They can survive in dust for anything up to eight weeks (depending on the air conditions) which may lead to infection by inhalation. Children in childcare institutions are particularly likely to become infected.
The good news is that, while threadworms can be unpleasant and uncomfortable for children, they cause few further problems. They can occasionally cause urinary tract infections, but most sufferers have little more than a itchy and sore anus – and some don’t even have that. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of parents are believed to be unaware of the symptoms of threadworm.
Threadworm Diagnosis and Symptoms
However, parents do need to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of threadworm infection so that appropriate treatment can be given and unnecessary spread to other members of the family and other children can be avoided.
There are three main symptoms of threadworm infection: tiny white threads in the child’s stools; an itchy bottom; and bottom scratching at night.
Treatment of Threadworm
If a parent suspects that his or her child is suffering from threadworm, a pharmacist will be able to offer advice regarding medications - though children under two should be seen by a doctor. Everyone in the family has to be treated, even if they are symptom-free.
Bed linen, nightclothes, towels and cuddly toys need to be washed. All rooms need to be well dusted, and door handles and toilet seats need to be wiped with paper dampened with water (antibacterial spray doesn’t kill threadworm). Towels and face-flannels should not be shared, and children should be encouraged to wear pyjamas instead of a nightdress, as there’s less chance of the eggs being able to lodge themselves under their finger-nails.
Threadworm and Hygiene
Threadworm is in no way related to bad domestic hygiene. However, children should also be reminded of the importance of regular hand-washing to prevent eggs being transferred from under the finger-nails or reinfection taking place. This is particularly important after using the toilet and before eating.
Threadworm is a common childhood infection. Parents need to be aware of the symptoms in order to take prompt action if they discover that their child has been infected. The whole family has to be treated, even if they do not all display the symptoms.
