Threadworms

What are threadworms?

Threadworms are microscopic thread-like creatures. They appear ghostly white, and the human eye isn't capable of seeing them. These tiny organisms mainly carry out their life cycle within the human intestine and move to other body parts where they cause itching and irritability. This tells us that threadworms are parasitic. 

A parasite is an organism that derives its living materials, food, shelter, etc., from another organism's body, usually humans. Throughout this process, the parasite completes significant parts of its life cycle, like giving birth and growing on another organism's body known as the host. During this process, the host is significantly harmed. 

In the instance of the threadworm, the same ordeal plays out. The threadworm usually invades the human body through the mouth. From there, it makes its way to the large intestine. The threadworms continue to develop in the large intestine, but they usually do not give birth here and instead they insidiously manoeuvre their way around the digestive system. Eventually they reach the anus and begin to lay their eggs here, these eggs are hatched in the anus and begin to develop into worms. The worms now secrete mucus that induces itching. A single threadworm, also known as pinworm, may lay up to a thousand eggs. If one only has a few eggs in their system, the symptoms will likely be mild. If the number of eggs is high, the infected person might bear more severe symptoms.

What are the causes of threadworms?

Understanding how threadworms infect a person first requires an understanding of their transmission and life cycle. Once the threadworms have laid their eggs in a human's anus, they begin to secrete mucus which causes itching. When this happens, the infected person begins to scratch at their anus. The microscopic eggs are scooped under the fingernails or across the fingers. 

From here, the transmission is relatively easy. When a person touches their face with these hands or continues to eat with them, the eggs find their way into the mouth. From here, they travel through the oesophagus to the gut, where the cycle begins again. This demonstrates that an infected person poses a risk of infestation for other infected people around them. It is vital to note that these eggs are pretty adaptable and enduring. They can transfer from the hands of an infected person to other surfaces, and many people may catch the pinworms from there. These surfaces could include:

• Tabletops 

• Door handles

• Kitchen counters

• Cutlery and other utensils

• Toys

• Sheets and other bedding items like pillowcases

• Clothing

• Toothbrushes

• Pets 

This, however, is just a rough estimation of the various places you may catch pinworms from. If your area's hygiene measures are not up to the mark, the soil and water may also serve as carriers for worms. They can also make their way into food. Undercooked meats containing worms can lead to infections. Thus, where you do not practice proper cleanliness, you are at risk of catching pinworms.

What are the common symptoms of threadworms?

A threadworm infection symptoms may vary in intensity due to the number of threadworms in a person's body. The most common victims are children, especially those under the age of 10. The symptoms may include:

Worms in stool:

It is possible to diagnose the infection visibly. This is done by examining the stool. Mostly the thread-like worms can be seen in faeces.

Itching sensation:

The most commonly recognised symptom of threadworms is the itching sensation. This tends to be prevalent at night when the infected person takes the time to get cosy and relax. The itchiness takes over around the bottom, and one can't help but scratch at the area, causing more irritability and transmission of the eggs. 

However, many people do not understand that scratching isn't just dangerous from a transmission point of view but can also cause inflammation in the area. If this inflammation heightens, it can induce another infection in this area. 

Loss of sleep:

Since the itching episodes tend to occur at night, they are likely to disturb one's sleep cycle. As a result, people suffering from a threadworm infection tend to find themselves losing sleep. This also tampers their moods and overall energy. 

Disinterest in appetite:

Though not as common, loss of appetite has also been observed to be a symptom in many cases. This also leads the infected person to witness weight loss.

Stomach ache:

If the number of threadworms in a person's system is high, they may find themselves suffering from a stomach ache as well. The abdominal pain is often accompanied by nausea. 

Wetting the bed:

When infection attacks children, bed-wetting may be seen as a result. Girls may also experience vaginal discharge.

How can threadworms be treated?

Once someone in the house has been diagnosed with a threadworm infection, there are mainly two routes that you can take, you either treat them by making use of remedies at home, or you can utilise over-the-counter medication. However, combining both these ways will ensure the threadworms are gone for good. It is also crucial that everyone living with the infected person undergo treatment when one person is infected. This helps avoid the risk of the infection returning soon.

When taking care of the infection at home, remember to practice the following steps:

• Sanitise and wash your hands properly after waking up, before and after every meal, especially after touching clothing that you may have worn while being infected. 

• Make a point to never "shake out" your bedsheets. If they contain eggs, it is easy for them to be transferred onto other surfaces. Change sheets often if not daily. 

• Wash all utensils before using them as well as other everyday items like toothbrushes, dishes or clothing.

• Clean all surfaces with a disinfectant. Vacuuming the house is also essential. If you use a cloth to disinfect the countertops and other objects, you must immediately throw it out. 

• One's nails must be cut short during the process. This will help prevent the skin from breaking when scratched and ultimately leading to an infection.

When medication is used for treatment, every member of the house must follow the regimen again. Usually, two types of medication are used:

• Mebendazole: Traditionally recommended for children over the age of two.

• Piperazine: Usually recommended for very young children such as those under the age of six months. 

These are over-the-counter drugs, and you can easily purchase them. Treatment can be completed with one dose. However, you may be suggested to go in for another dose to prevent the infection from happening again. The chances of this are pretty substantial since the medicines only terminate the worms and not their eggs.

Can I buy treatment for threadworms online?

Yes! You can quickly and discreetly buy threadworms treatment online through our website.

How long does it take to treat threadworms?

If you are taking medication against the threadworms, it will begin killing the worms as soon as it enters your system. It may take up to a few days for all the threadworms to be terminated. Additionally you may also have to take another dose in approximately two weeks to ensure zero re-infection chances.

Patient Information Leaflet:

Every patient should make it their priority to go through the patient information leaflet.