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Threadworm or pinworm infection occurs when parasites known as Enterobius vermicularis invade human bodies. It is most prevalent in children ages 4-11 years of age and known to affect over 1 billion people all around the globe. Named for the tail-like structure on the back of female worms, the worms are small and have a white, thread-like appearance.
Treating threadworm is important as symptoms can affect quality of life. Symptoms include:
Furthermore, some patients have reported bouts of abdominal aches and diarrhoea. Patients with threadworm infection also tend to display a loss of appetite. Other serious side effects of appendicitis have also been reported.
The first line treatment for threadworms is via a pharmacological method using the drug Mebendazole 100mg. This is a popular thread worm treatment in the UK. It is normally sold under a brand name: Ovex tablets or as a suspension.
Ovex belongs to a class of medication known as anthelmintics. Anthelmintic’s are a type of anti parasitic drug which specifically targets parasitic worms. The drug works by inhibiting the worm’s ability to utilise glucose and produce energy. Worms die within a few days of beginning to take Ovex.
Ovex Threadworm pills is available in various forms: As a single tablet, as a family pack of 4 tablets or as a banana flavoured oral suspension (liquid.)
All variations of Ovex contain the active ingredient Mabendazole which is anti-parasitic medication which is highly effective at treating worms.
There are several formulations of thread worm treatment – including single tablets, family pack tablets and a flavoured liquid. Both thread worm tablets and thread worm oral suspension liquid treatments are effective as one another. Your choice depends on your own personal preference and living situation.
In the event of a suspected threadworm infection, families under the same household are all recommended to start treatment with Mebendazole. This is to ensure that any potential contamination which can transmit the infestation quite rapidly is eradicated.
In this case either Ovex Family Pack (which contains 4 doses of medication), or Ovex Suspension (which contains 6 doses of medications) are the best medicine for thread worm treatment options.
Any household pets should also be treated for threadworm. Household pets should be seen by a qualified veterinarian and treated appropriately.
If you live alone, Ovex Single Pack (containing one single dose of medication) should be sufficient to treat the infection in most cases. If reinfection occurs a second tablet can be taken 2 weeks after the first.
Kids between the ages of 6 months to 17 years should be given thread worm treatment in the following manner:
In the event of a suspected threadworm infection, families in the same household are all recommended to start treatment with Mebendazole together. This is because threadworm can be spread easily.
If for any reason, treatment with Mebendazole cannot be taken or given, there are alternative thread worm medicine such as Albendazole and Pyrantel pamoate. Furthermore, if pharmacological treatments are not possible, it is advised to follow strict hygiene guidelines for over 6 weeks to lessen the effects of the infection over time, although this is not guaranteed and chances of reinfection are extremely high.
Any household pets should also be treated for threadworm.
There are several approaches that can be put in place to limit the spread of threadworm infection and also prevent one from occurring in the first place. These are listed below:
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Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water.
Hands should be washed after using the toilet/bathroom, after changing nappies and before eating and cooking or anything that involves handling food.
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At least once a week, individuals with suspected threadworm infections should have their bedding, clothes, and soft toys (if they are a child) cleaned at high temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius.
Clothes should not be shaken or moved before being washed to ensure contamination is limited.
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Nails should be cut regularly and well maintained, especially for young children.
Nail biting should be avoided at all times, especially if the child shows signs of threadworm infection
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Toothbrushes should be washed before and after use.
Underwear should be worn by every family member at night and washed the next day if there is a suspected case of threadworm
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Affected individuals should ensure to wash their bodies or take regular showers every morning to remove any eggs which may be attached.
Special care should be taken when washing the perianal region which is where most eggs adhere to skin.
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Towels, flannels and kitchen clothes should be changed and washed at high temperatures regularly.
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Wear appropriate clothing which will limit the spread of transmission. For e.g.: clothes such as onesies tend to transmit eggs all over the body when itching episodes are intense.
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Surfaces around the house should be washed, sprayed with bleach or antibacterial products regularly to limit further transmission of eggs on any contaminated surfaces.
Toys used by children should also be cleaned regularly especially if children tend to chew on these toys.
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In the case of an infection, ensure family members do not share products with each other to limit the spread of infection.
This includes personal care items such as shampoos, soaps, body loofas, towels, clothing and so on.
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Bedrooms and living spaces (hall, kitchen and bathrooms) should be hoovered or brushed regularly, minimum once a week and this should be continued for a few weeks even after the infection stops. |
OTC threadworm treatment such as Ovex can be bought at your local pharmacy. You can also buy threadworm medicine online at Meds for Less.
Your General Practitioner (GP) can also prescribe this medication which can be collected from your local pharmacy.
Thread worm infection is usually treated fairly easily, however there are certain instances where escalation may be necessary. These situations include:
Severe Symptoms: Such as significant weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or a secondary infection from scratching all warrant a visit to the GP.
Mebendazole, (which is an anti-parasitic medication specifically designed to target parasitic worms) is the most effective medication for treating thread worm. Mebendazole is found in medications such as Ovex tablets and Ovex suspension.
Threadworm medication works straight away however it take up to 3 days for the medication to eradicate the mature eggs fully and in some instances a second dose may be required two weeks later.
Children and Adults can both be treated with the same thread worm medication, however Children under 2 should only be given medication for thread worm under medical supervision.
Yes, thread worms can easily be transmitted between family members. So it’s best to treat the whole family at once, if someone has thread worms. The Ovex family pack is appropriate for this.
Ovex is a medication which is usually well tolerated. Rare instances of diarrhoea or stomach or allergic reactions have been reported.
Do not hesitate to reach out to your local pharmacist if you experience any other side effects.
