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Conditions

Threadworms

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.

If your child is itching down below, they may have thread-worms, check our guide for parents on Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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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.

back last year i had severe cystitus which turned into a water infection which turnt into a kidney infection i went to docs they put me on antibiotics which cleared me, not long after i had trouble peeing, (which smells horrendous some days and is quite dark) sometimes it burns then other days its fine i get abit of pelis pain which comes and go, some days im weeing upto 16 times a day then back down to 3 or 4 some days i feel really down then im back to normal it comes and go ive drank water but it dosent really help! i cant cope with it anymore! i get worried about going to the docters as im afraid of getting told im a hypocondriact! im 21.





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I have had threadworms for over a year, i take ovex every two weeks and that clears them up but i have to do this religiously every two weeks. Is this just me? Can anybody help?





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haha omg i thought these things were rare! i had them like a year or two ago then 4 days ago i saw one when i went to the toilet, im nearly 18 and i felt sick at myself, they're so irritating!!!! but i'm clean so im really confused.. anyway, i took the ovex tablet, but still have itching in the night, im too freaked out to even look in the toilet to see if i still have them, does anyone know can you take ovex pills a week after youve first taken them?





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i have this problem with my down below part, everytime i wipe after going to the toilet, it hurts. last night i had a look down below and i was shocked to see little white worms! there not only in my bum but their in my vagina aswell. i cant tell my mother, and the doctors isnt any help. is there anyway i can get rid of them without tablets and doctors?





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Hi, i noticed a worm like thing in my poo and i know it seems stupid but i don't know if it is worms or chicken chow mein from last night. It sounds weird but i do bite my nails so i don't know what to do.





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I have had thread worms 6 or 7 times in the last 6 months and even though i take tablets all the time they dont seem to be going! Please help me as i dont htink i can tell my mum again, i didnt tell her last time either...





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i have had thread worms 4 times and had medication for it (prispen) but it never seems to go and i don't think i can tell my mum again





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I had the same problem as you, but i spoke to my mum as we had to go to the doctors anyway and the doctor tol me to take a second tablet a week after the first. It has worked so far... :)

Whilst looking at an itch down below I notices some worms ... I grabbed one and pulled it out ... Is this a bad thing? What will happen?! I was panicking!





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I have had them a few times, and have done so much reading on them now that I think I'm an expert. (Because I have a phobia of parasites, if I get something I freak out bigstyle) I have just found out I have them (have done before), but don't know how I got it considerign I am freakishly clean! Eityher way, aswel as taking medication tomorrow, I will start taking garlic capsules every day. I have read that they are a natural repellent of intestinal parasites and they hate the stuff! Also, and this might be a nasty trick someone has posted up, apparantly mixing a little crushed/garlic powder with vaseline and rubbing on the anus prevents them from coming out and laying. I don't know if it's true, ut might be a horrible joke, but I'm going to give it a go and see. Finally, and this is just my own conclusion - vaseline on the anus helps with sore skin, but you would think the eggs would get stuck to it? So I think perhaps applying it -post shower every morning would mean that the eggs can't fly off when you change and when you get out of bed? Then you don't have to worry about infecting your room once you have cleaned and vaccummed everywhere. Then there's the hygiene - be clean and perhaps get a nail brush? Scrub under your nails each time you wash your hands. I hope this helps. I will try out all of these things and post if they work





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ive had them for ages now but they dont seem to ever go away dont want to tell my mum again because its soooo embarrassing these things really irritate me please help





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Please don't be embarrassed and tell your mum - she will want to help you. If you put some emulsifying ointment on your bum before you go to bed it will help with the itching.

Tell your mum! I discovered I had them tonight and I ran in a panic and told her right away! She didn't believe me at first but after checking again and freaking out she promised to get it first thing in the morning! I've had them for ages to I think! I'm 15 and terrified of doctors and stuff and I get freaked out by illness'. You must tell her!

try ovex tablets, it paralizes them so you can get them out/kill them, works a treat.





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are small worm parasites that infect the intestines of humans. Read More »

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