People can be bitten by threadworms, also known as pinworms.They are usually contracted by accidentally swallowing an egg, which becomes an adult worm.The female worms migrate down to the anus where they lay more eggs.Getting rid of threadworms can be accomplished with a combination of medical treatments and good hygiene at home.
Step 1: Take a single dose of the anti-worm medication.
An over-the-counter version of an anti-worm medication is recommended by your doctor.Some examples include Mebendazole and Pyrantel.If you follow the instructions of your doctor, you will be directed to take one dose of one of the medications and wait two weeks.The medication kills off adult worms.They are all gone except for the eggs.
Step 2: The second dose should be taken at the two week mark.
After two weeks, you will be told to take another dose of the anti-worm medication.The purpose of this second dose is to kill any new worms that have formed as a result of the eggs.The two week timing is extremely important, as it catches the worms at just the right phase in their lifecycle so as to kill all of them without needing any further doses after this one.
Step 3: Everyone in the household should be treated well.
Since threadworms can be easily passed from one person to another, your doctor will likely recommend that everyone in the household be treated with two doses of the anti-worm medication.It is better to be safe rather than sorry, and to prevent the hassle of someone in the household showing signs of an infection just after the initial person was cured.
Step 4: It's best to know that medication is your best bet.
This is true if you are treating pinworm infections in children.Although pinworms can be treated with six weeks of very strict hygiene measures, it is very challenging to adhere to these strict standards at home, particularly if children are involved.The benefit of medication is that it will clear the infection in two weeks.It is possible to use hygienic measures to prevent infections down the road.
Step 5: Understand how threadworms can be spread.
It is possible for threadworms to be transmitted from person to person, as well as from touching objects that may be contaminated with eggs.In order to prevent the spread of threadworms to everyone who lives in the household, as well as to support a cure for the person who was initially bitten, it is important to have good hygiene at home.
Step 6: The toilet seats need to be washed daily.
It is important to clean the toilet seats at least once a day to avoid re-infecting yourself with more threadworm eggs, because eggs are laid around the anal area.No special products are needed to clean with water and regular household cleaners.Gloves keep your hands clean.
Step 7: If you are infectious, wash your hands frequently.
It is important to wash your hands before and after using the toilet.This will help to get rid of the threadworms quicker.
Step 8: You should change your bed sheets at least twice a week.
If you want to get rid of threadworms, you need to wash your sheets and change them.It is important to wash your clothes and pyjamas every now and then for the same reason as avoiding re-contaminating yourself with eggs.It will be more difficult for you to regain your health and wellbeing if you remove eggs that will continue the threadworm's lifecycle.
Step 9: Do not scratch around the anus.
The anus can become irritated and itchy when female worms migrate towards it.People may be tempted to scratch around the anus to get over the itch.This is one of the worst things you can do, because your hands will become contaminated with eggs, which will spread to everything you touch after that.To reduce the spread of threadworm eggs, avoid scratching around the anus.Ointments or creams shouldn't be applied to the anal area.This may cause the female worms to lay eggs higher up in your rectum or colon, which makes the problem worse.
Step 10: There are symptoms of a threadworm.
If you catch the infection early, you can start medical treatment and prevention measures at home as soon as possible.Itching and irritation around the anus is one of the most common signs and symptoms.
Step 11: Administer a test.
If you suspect someone in your household has threadworms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.Getting rid of the infection as quickly as possible requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.The doctor will ask you to take a piece of tape and hold it against the skin of the anus.Put the tape in a plastic bag and give it to your doctor, who will use a microscope to look for eggs.Eggs can be seen with a microscope.A positive test for eggs is a sign of a threadworm infection.Before showering or using the toilet, do the tape test first thing in the morning.You should wash your hands thoroughly and wear gloves.Don't let the tape touch anything.
Step 12: If you live in the same household, you should get treatment.
If you are in the same household as someone who has been diagnosed with threadworms, you will be told to take the medication and to practice the hygiene measures.It is better to be safe than sorry because the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks.