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Parents have been told to keep a keen eye on their children as demand for threadworm treatment is up 73% compared to this time last year, suggesting a spike in cases in February 2026. The common parasite can survive up to two weeks on contaminated surfaces and children can get infected again even after being treated.

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny white parasitic worms that live in the large intestine and rectum. It’s a highly contagious parasite that is passed when a person ingests threadworm eggs, which can be picked up on contaminated surfaces, bedding or hands.

There are five key symptoms of threadworms, some of which may only be noticeable at night or after your child has gone to the bathroom. The most common symptom is intensely itchy skin around the anus, particularly at night.

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Other threadworm symptoms include, according to the NHS:

• Irritability or waking up during the night
• weight loss
• wetting the bed
• irritated skin around the anus

Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, added: “You might also notice small, white thread-like worms in your child’s stool or around their bottom first thing in the morning.

“You catch threadworms by accidentally swallowing their microscopic eggs. These spread very easily through hand-to-mouth contact after touching contaminated surfaces such as toys, bedding, clothing, or by scratching the itchy area where female worms lay their eggs. This creates a cycle of reinfection, which is why it can spread so quickly within households, nurseries, and schools.”

The pharmacist warned families that even if only one person has symptoms, they may all need to undergo treatment and practice extreme caution.

He said: “As the eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks, it’s not uncommon for the whole family to require treatment at the same time, even if only one person has symptoms. Alongside medication, strict hygiene measures are essential to break the cycle of infection.”

The infection can be treated by pharmacists without a GP appointment. Budd explained they’ll usually point people towards medications like Ovex and Vermox which contain medendazole, an antiparasitic medication.

He urged parents to stick to the treatment protocol and follow some key advice to avoid getting more infections in the household: “These treatments work by killing the worms, although they do not kill the eggs, which is why a second dose is often needed after two weeks.

“In addition to treatment, families should ensure that they are washing their hands thoroughly and regularly, keeping fingernails short, changing underwear and bedding daily for at least two weeks, and cleaning household surfaces frequently.”

Some other ways to stop a threadworm infection from spreading include washing hands frequently, having a strict morning hygeine routine including washing the anal area to remove eggs laid overnight.

He added: “Change and wash clothing and bedding daily. Underwear, pyjamas, bed linen, and towels should be washed on a hot cycle for at least two weeks to help remove lingering eggs.

“Keep fingernails short and discourage scratching. Eggs can collect under fingernails and easily transfer to the mouth or other surfaces. Wearing close-fitting underwear at night can also help reduce scratching during sleep.

“With prompt treatment and consistent hygiene measures, threadworm can usually be cleared effectively within a few weeks.”

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