Many children get threadworms. They spread by producing a large amount of tiny eggs that are too small to see.
The eggs are present in dust and they stick to food, carpets, towels, bed linen and toilet seats. Because they’re so small and widespread they can get on to fingers and under fingernails and are easily swallowed.
In the bowel they hatch into worms that then lay eggs around the anus. They look like tiny white threads and will be visible in your child's stools (poo) if your child is affected. Your child may have an itchy bottom and may scratch it a lot, especially at night.
If you think your child has worms, speak to your GP or health visitor, or ask your pharmacist for treatment. The whole family will need to be treated because threadworm eggs spread very easily. Find out more in Treatment for threadworms.
To stop the infection spreading:
- keep your child’s nails short
- let your child wear pyjamas or pants in bed
- bath your child or wash around their bottom each morning
- keep your child’s towel separate
- make sure everyone in the family washes their hands and scrubs their nails before every meal and after going to the toilet
- disinfect the toilet seat and toilet handle or chain regularly
- vacuum and dust bedrooms thoroughly.
