Threadworms often go unnoticed by people who have them, but symptoms can include:
- intense itching around the anus (or the vagina in girls), particularly at night when the female worms are laying eggs
- disturbed sleep as a result of the itching, which can lead to irritability
Severe or persistent threadworm infections can cause:
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- secondary skin infection if bacteria enter the scratches caused by itching
- insomnia: difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep
As threadworms don't always cause symptoms, all members of your household should be treated, even if only one person notices symptoms.
If you suspect that you or your child may have threadworms, speak to your pharmacist about treatment.
See your GP if you think you have threadworms and you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- your child has threadworms and they are under two
Read more about treating a threadworm infection.
