Threadworm

Question 1

Symptoms

Answer 1

Perianal itching - usually worse at night
Disturbed sleep
Secondary infection from scratching

Question 2

When to refer to GP

Answer 2

Younger than 12 months
Unclear diagnosis
Signs of secondary infection
Lack of response to treatment

Question 3

Medicinal causes

Answer 3

Antibiotics
Peppermint oil

Question 4

Lifestyle

Answer 4

Diet
Excessive sweating
Contact with skin irritants

Question 5

Pharmacological treatments

Answer 5

Mebendazole
Pyrantel

Question 6

Non pharmacological

Answer 6

Hygiene
Wear close fitting underwear at night and change underwear in the morning after shower
Wear freshly laundered cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching
Keep finger nails short
Wash hands with soap

Question 7

Prevention

Answer 7

Clean the anus area thoroughly
Clean bed sheets with hot wash in washing machine
Clean any contaminated items
If it’s a child make sure they don’t touch infected area and then mouth

Question 8

Vermox tablets

Answer 8

Kills the worm inside the body
Take 1 tablet with or without food then repeat this dose 2 weeks time
Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Suitable for children 2+ does come in a suspension 5ml spoonful once

Question 9

Combantrin chocolate square

Answer 9

For adults they must have 7 chocolate squares and repeat in 2 weeks
As for children this will depend on age and weight
1-5 & 10-25kg - 1-2 squares
6-10 & 26-45kg - 3-4 squares
11-13 & 46-56kg - 5 squares
14-18 & 57-70kg - 6 squares