Around 40% of children under the age of ten will get threadworms at some stage1, so it is a very common condition. However, it’s not always easy to recognise the symptoms, or know what to do if you find them!
Download our handy Information Leaflet for more information about symptoms, treatment and prevention.
The Threadworm Lifecycle
Threadworms come from eggs which are so small, you can’t actually see them. The eggs stick under the fingernails and can be swallowed. This is the beginning of the threadworm life cycle.
Once the eggs have been swallowed, they hatch out in the gut, and the adult worms cling to the gut wall.
Female threadworms come out of the bottom at night and lay eggs. The sticky eggs cause itching, so when the bottom is scratched...
... the eggs are transferred to the fingers and then to the mouth which continues the cycle.
Remember, threadworms are a common ailment with a simple solution - if you have any questions about them, please talk to your health visitor, school nurse or local pharmacist.
1. Royal College of General Practitioners, fact sheet 32, 1996
