Threadworms
Threadworms often go unnoticed by people who have them.
However, they can cause intense Pruritus ani (and the vagina in girls), particularly at night when the female worms are laying eggs. This can disturb sleep.
In some cases, you may spot threadworms on your bed clothes or sheets at night, or you may notice them in your stools. The worms look like threads of white cotton and are about one centimetre long.
Severe or persistent threadworm infections can cause:
In very rare cases, threadworms can spread outside the intestinetothe urinary tract orliver, or the vagina or womb in girls or women.
Speak to your pharmacist about treatment if you suspect you or your child may have threadworms.
See your GP if:
.
Read about threadworms and how they're spread. Also, find out when to see your GP and how to treat and prevent an infection.
Read about the symptoms of threadworms, which can include intense itching around the anus or vagina, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep.
Find out how a threadworm infection is passed from person to person as the result of swallowing threadworm eggs.
Find out how to successfully treat threadworms using medication and hygiene measures. All household members must be treated, even if they don't have any symptoms.