Threadworm

What are Threadworms?

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasites that inhabit the human intestine. They are especially prevalent among children but can affect the entire family.

These white worms grow up to 13 mm long. More so, they cause considerable discomfort, mainly characterized by intense itching in the anus area, mainly at night.

The infection spreads easily by ingesting microscopic eggs from contaminated surfaces or by direct contact with infected people or objects.

Check if you have threadworms

Diagnosing Threadworms at Home

Vision Test: At night, use a flashlight to examine the anal area (and vaginal opening in women). Look for small white wriggling worms; they are most active at night when they come out to lay eggs.

Stool Examination: Check the stool for small white worms.

Test with Duct Tape: Before bedtime, place a piece of clear tape on the skin around the anus. In the morning, remove the tape and look for small white worm eggs that may appear as spots. You can also take the tape to a lab for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of pinworm eggs.

Note: Laboratory tests are more reliable for confirming pinworm infections early, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.

How do intestinal worms spread?

The spread of these intestinal worms is facilitated by poor hygiene practices. These include inadequate handwashing after using the bathroom or before eating.

Since eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks, thorough cleaning and disinfection is essential. Pinworms spread in a cycle facilitated by the ingestion of their microscopic eggs.

Understanding how this cycle facilitates infection can help prevent and control infections effectively.

The life cycle of a pinworm includes the following stages:

1. Ingesting the eggs

Worm eggs are usually ingested when contaminated hands touch surfaces or objects that contain eggs.

2. The eggs hatch

Once ingested, the eggs pass through the digestive system where they hatch in the small intestine.

3. The larvae are mature

After hatching, the larvae migrate to the large intestine, where they develop into adult worms. This process lasts approximately 2 to 6 weeks after initial ingestion.

4. Eggs are laid

Adult female worms migrate from the large intestine to the anal region, usually at night, to lay eggs. This migration causes intense itching and discomfort around the anus, leading to scratching.

5. Scratching and Transfer

When you scratch the itchy area, the small sticky eggs are transferred to your fingers and under your nails. From there, the eggs can easily contaminate surfaces, clothing, and toiletries.

How to Treat Threadworm Infection

Treating a threadworm infection is straightforward and normally involves over-the-counter medications along with balanced hygiene practices to prevent reinfection.

1st Line Treatment: Mebendazole

Mebendazole is an active drug in treatments like Ovex. It works by stopping the worms from absorbing sugars (glucose), which are needed to live. Without these nutrients, the worms die and are removed from the body through feces.

How to take Ovex for Threadworm?

Types of Ovex:

Ovex Family Pack: It contains 4 tablets, each with 100 mg of Mebendazole. Suitable for adults and children over two years old.

Ovex Suspension: A 30 ml liquid form, intended for those with difficulty swallowing tablets or who do not prefer to take oral tablets, including young children.

Dosage:

Typically, a one-time treatment (single dose) of Mebendazole is enough to treat the infection. However, a second dose after two weeks is recommended to ensure that any newly hatched worms are cleared.

Mebendazole can be taken with or without food. Follow the dosing instructions on the package (Patient Leaflet) or those provided by your doctor.

All family members aged two years and older should be treated simultaneously to prevent the spread and recurrence of the infection.

Substitute Treatments:

Albendazole: Its an effective treatment that works same way to Mebendazole by disrupting the worms' ability to absorb glucose (sugar), leading to their expulsion.

Pyrantel Pamoate: An anthelmintic (dewormer) available over-the-counter that paralyzes the worms, allowing them to be naturally cleared from the body. This is suitable for those who may not respond well to Mebendazole or who have recurrent infections.

Symptoms of pinworm infection

Early identification of threadworm infection is essential to treat symptoms, obtain effective treatment, and prevent further spread.

Prompt treatment relieves discomfort and reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to other family or household members.

If you suspect a pinworm infection based on these symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice and appropriate treatment to control the disease effectively.

Symptoms of pinworm infection usually include:

severe itching

One of the characteristic symptoms of threadworm infection is severe itching, especially around the anus or vagina. This itching is usually most noticeable at night when the female worms migrate to lay eggs.

• Irritability and problems sleeping

Due to the itching, many people, especially children, experience irritability and frequent awakenings during the night. This can lead to fatigue and behavioral changes due to lack of sleep.

• Visible worms

In some cases, small white thread-like worms may appear in the stool or around the anal area. These worms are usually between 8 and 13 mm long and are a clear indicator of an active infection.

• Weight loss and reduced appetite

Threadworm infection can affect appetite, leading to decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss. This is more serious in prolonged or severe cases.

• Bedwetting while sleeping

Children infected with roundworms may experience enuresis, which may disrupt their normal sleep patterns.

Less common symptoms include:

Redness and infection: Constantly scratching the anal area can cause skin irritation, redness, and sometimes secondary bacterial infections.

Vaginal itching: In women, threadworms can migrate from the anus to the vagina, causing itching and discomfort in the genital area.