NHS Minor Ailments Scheme · Threadworms

Threadworm treatment in Huntingdon.

Threadworms are one of the most common reasons families come to the pharmacy, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about. We can tell you which treatment suits everyone in your household, and how to stop the infection coming back.

01480 425412 About the scheme

Walk in or call 01480 425412 — no GP referral required.

What are threadworms?

Threadworms, also called pinworms, are tiny, thin, white worms that live in the bowel. They are common, especially in children, and spread easily between people.

Threadworms are usually harmless, but they can cause itching and disturbed sleep. They can be treated with medicine from a pharmacy, alongside good hygiene to prevent reinfection.

Getting seen

Walk in

No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.

Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.

Call 01480 425412

Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms

Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:

An itchy bottom, especially at night
Seeing tiny, white, thread-like worms in poo or around the anus
Itching or irritation around the vagina
Restlessness, irritability or waking during the night
Sore or irritated skin around the bottom due to scratching
Occasionally, bedwetting or weight loss

Note: The worms may be easier to see at night, when they come out to lay eggs around the anus.

Causes

What causes threadworms?

Threadworms spread when their tiny eggs are swallowed.

Laid at night

The worms lay eggs around the anus, often at night, causing itching.

Scratching spreads eggs

Scratching can transfer eggs to fingers and underneath fingernails.

Everyday items

Eggs can then spread to food, toys, bedding, towels and household surfaces.

Hands to mouth

Someone can become infected by touching contaminated items and then touching their mouth.

Up to 2 weeks outside the body

The eggs can survive outside the body for up to 2 weeks, which is why reinfection is common if hygiene measures are not followed.

Prevention

How can it be prevented?

Hygiene is what stops threadworms coming back. These habits work best when everyone in the household follows them together.

Wash hands well

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.

Keep nails short

Keep fingernails short and clean.

Avoid nail-biting and scratching

Discourage nail-biting, thumb-sucking and scratching around the bottom.

Shower every morning

Shower or bathe every morning to remove eggs from the skin.

Change underwear daily

Change underwear every morning and wear underwear in bed.

Wash bedding on a hot wash

Wash sleepwear, towels, bedding and soft toys frequently at a hot temperature where suitable.

Clean surfaces regularly

Clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces regularly, and vacuum and dust with a damp cloth.

Don't shake bedding

Do not shake bedding or clothing, as this can spread eggs.

Don't share towels

Avoid sharing towels and flannels.

When should someone seek medical help?

Threadworm treatment is available from the pharmacy, but some people should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking it.

Urgent

Seek prompt medical advice

Contact your GP or NHS 111 if symptoms are severe, you have persistent or worsening abdominal pain, or a child seems unwell. Threadworms are usually mild, so significant symptoms may need another cause to be checked.

Speak to a pharmacist or GP

Ask for advice if:

You think you or your child may have threadworms
The person needing treatment is under 2 years old
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Symptoms continue after treatment or keep returning
There is unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or significant skin irritation

Remember: Threadworms are common and usually straightforward to treat. Treat household members when advised and follow hygiene measures to stop the infection coming back.

NHS — Threadworms

FAQ

Common questions

Can a pharmacist help with threadworms?

Yes. Our pharmacist can confirm whether it's likely to be threadworms, recommend a treatment that suits the age and health of everyone who needs it, and talk you through the hygiene steps that stop it coming back.

Does the whole household need treatment?

Usually yes, when advised. Threadworm eggs spread easily between people sharing a home, so treating everyone at the same time — alongside the hygiene measures — gives the best chance of clearing it.

How long do we need to keep up the hygiene measures?

Eggs can survive outside the body for up to 2 weeks, so keep to the hygiene habits for at least that long. Reinfection is common if they stop too early.

Are threadworms dangerous?

They're usually harmless, though the itching can disturb sleep and scratching can leave the skin sore. Get advice if symptoms continue after treatment, or there's unexplained weight loss, persistent tummy pain or significant skin irritation.

How much does it cost?

The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.

Do I need an appointment?

No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.

Is the consultation private?

Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.

Get sorted, sooner.

Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.