What it is
Everyone in the household should be treated at the same time, usually with a single dose of medicine, sometimes repeated after 2 weeks.
Strict hygiene for 6 weeks helps stop reinfection: washing hands, keeping nails short, washing bedding and towels and showering in the morning.
Common signs
- Extreme itching around the bottom, especially at night
- Disturbed sleep
- Seeing tiny white worms in poo or around the bottom
- Itching around the vagina in girls
How it is usually diagnosed
- Seeing the worms
- Sometimes a sticky tape test around the bottom
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP or pharmacy notes
- Prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- Who in the household needs treatment?
- Is the treatment safe in pregnancy or for young children?
- How do we stop them coming back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Severe tummy pain, or blood in poo: see a doctor the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.