Threadworms are small worms in poo which can cause itching around the bottom. Threadworms are common in children and can spread easily if not treated.

You may notice your child itching and they may struggle to sleep at night because of it. Threadworms can be treated at home and children can still go to school if they have threadworm.

Treating Threadworm

Medicine kills the threadworms, but not the eggs. Threadworm eggs can live up to two weeks outside the body. You will need to treat everyone in the house, even if they don't have symptoms.

As well as the medicine, take the following steps, to limit reinfection of threadworm.

• Encourage children to wash hands regularly using soap.
• Bathe or shower every morning.
• Rinse toothbrushes before using them.
• Keep fingernails short.
• Wash sleepwear, sheets, towels and soft toys at normal temperature.
• Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
• Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth.
• Make sure children wear underwear at night – change it in the morning.

Wash hands and scrub under fingernails – particularly before eating, after using the toilet, or changing nappies. Take a look at the video below to see how to wash your hands really well.