Threadworm Treatments

According to Patient UK, threadworms are small, white, thread-like worms that can grow as long as 13 millimeters, or about a half inch. They infect the large and small intestines and are most commonly found in children. Threadworms live about six weeks in the stomach and then die; but while alive, the female worms lay tiny eggs around the anus, causing inflammation and itching. While threadworms rarely cause problems more severe than appetite and weight loss, treatment of threadworms is necessary and simple.

Medicinal Treatment for Threadworm

• The most common way to combat threadworms is medication. If you suspect that you or others have threadworms, tell a doctor and get a prescription.

  WormBook.org says that anthelmintic (anti-worm) drugs work best against threadworms. Mebendazole is the most common treatment for people with worms. All household members, including those without symptoms, should take a dose at the same time as the one infected by threadworm. Just one dose kills the worms. A second dose two weeks after the first is needed sometimes. Piperazine, an anthelmintic, is one combatant against threadworm. It is soluble in water, doesn't cause any side effects when ingested, and can be used by anyone 3 months or older.

Good Hygiene Kills Threadworms Just as Effectively

• Patient UK writes that while medication kills the worms, unhatched threadworms in eggs can die only if they haven't found a suitable host. That's why hygiene is of the utmost importance when dealing with not just threadworm but all infectious worms.

  Threadworm eggs can survive for up to two weeks outside of the body in places such as on dirty underwear or unclean bedding. Therefore, hygiene measures must be taken to clear any eggs from the body and the home, not to mention preventing any eggs from being swallowed. Before threadworms die, they lay eggs on the anus. The host then scratches the itchy part subconsciously and then, without washing, may put the hands up to the mouth. Through this method, reinfection happens. Proper steps in good hygiene, paired with a dose of medication, will break the cycle.

  Proper hygiene includes washing all sheets, bedding, pants and underwear in hot water, cleaning any bathrooms and toilets in the house and washing all bathroom cloths in the house and then throwing them out in the trash.