Threadworm is common and is often found in children. Threadworms live and breed in the digestive system, but do not cause any serious medical problems. They are mainly passed on by children who are already infected – transferring eggs from their bottom to fingers, then by fingers to mouth, or from soiled nightclothes.

Possible signs

• An itchy bottom, especially at nigh time.

• Child may be irritated or restless.

• Child may have a poor appetite.

• If infestation is heavy, worms can be visible in bowel motions.

Sometimes visible on child’s bottom while asleep, as they may be emerging to hatch their eggs. Try examining your child’s bottom with a torch.

Treatment

An easy one-dose treatment is available form the chemist. It is a good idea to treat the whole family to avoid the infection to start again just in case it has already just transferred to another member of the family. It is not necessary to treat your child if you are just thinking that they have worms, make sure they do before you give them the treatment medicine only if they do.