Conditions
Threadworms
If we’re talking worms, then we’re talking parasites – small intestinal parasites, to be precise. It sounds hideous, but the threadworm (or ‘pinworm’) is the most common worm parasite infestation of children in the UK (although, any age can be affected). They are usually passed on through poor hygiene, live about 5-6 weeks in the gut, and then die. But before doing so, the female worms lay tiny eggs around the anus, which leads to itching during the night. The resultant scratching can lead to eggs getting onto our fingers and under our nails, which we may then swallow, beginning the cycle of infestation again. However, threadworms can usually be eradicated with medication and strict hygiene. But if you think humans have it bad, then you should consider grasshoppers, who play host to ‘hairworms’ which essentially brainwash the insects with a cocktail of chemicals that makes them commit suicide by leaping into water. In light of that – an itchy bottom is nothing!
If you’re suffering from any of the conditions featured on this site and want to apply for an onscreen consultation with one of the EB team then you can find more details here >>
Remember that you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
Comments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
Can you get a thread worm on your penis? Please answer...
Hi I'm 18 and have had thread worms for weeks, my hygiene us high. Is there a cute without seeing a doctor. I'm embarrassed cos children usually get it, not 18 year olds
hi im 17 weeks pregnant, an have found out i have thread worms! My hygine is so super high, is there any thing i can take i have had my 2 year old son treated but now its me with the problem! Please help x
Im thirteen and iv just finished my period and for a week now I have had extremely irritating itching inside my anus! I have tried so many things to try and relieve the itch, even with a Q-tip!just 1 hour ago I used another Q-tip and I took a closer look at it, what I saw was tiny thread like worms on the Q-tip. With some research, I have rules out that I have threadworms. I am so very embarrassed and I do not want to tell my parents, what can I do?
I recently found string like substance in my poo.. Then i found like an earthworm is this threadworm? I have been taking tablets for them but they dont seem to be going? I am extremely constipated and takes me hours to go to the toilet? Also i dont go for weeks at a time! I really need some advice!! I am also a very clean person and have 2 children whom i have also treated..
Hi am just wondering is there anything I can get from the chemist to get rid of worm's.. Am embarrassed about going the doctors!! I am very hygienic... Am 21 and really do not want to have them.. Its getting me down.. As I have a little girl who is 3 and certainly don't want her catching them!!! Pls help. Thanks x
A product called Ovex, is what I get if my children get worms. I'm really strict hygiene wise with them and concluded the only place they could be getting them from was school. I always have a box of it in now just incase. You need to treat the whole house with them, but they are chewable and don't taste too bad.
I suffer bad pmt. I cnt av children. Will a historectomy help
Well I'm thirteen and found out I have threadworms and I just got rid of my period will they die or I don't know what to do please som1 help I want to get rid of them.
Go to ur docs or chemist. They will giv u a pill to take now and one in two weeks and theyl be gon. U catch worms we contact of sumone who as um by touch hamd to mth .wRm toilet seat wich sumone who as wos as just bin on x not washin fruit x
I have had threadworm for two years now and being a teacher does not help I have very good hygiene and have tried Ovex, boots own and many herbal tablets... They are still there and I am worried about them travelling up into my vagina. My Dr does not seem to care and having them makes me feel unclean and tense. Please help.
Sac ur doc ask ur chemist
My son is 10 and he keeps gettiin it about evey 8weeks we r very clean this has been goin on 4 the last 2years can some1 help me dnt no what to do doctor keep givin some stuff ad I'm sure it don't work
well if u hav pet check if they hav em or he might be getting thm from school
Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here
