Threadworms

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasitic worms that infect the large intestine of humans.

Threadworms are a common type of worm infection in the UK, particularly in children under the age of 10.

The worms are white and look like small pieces of thread. You may notice them around your child’s bottom or in their poo.

They don’t always cause symptoms, but people often experience itchiness around their bottom or vagina. It can be worse at night and disturb sleep.

Read more about the symptoms of threadworms.

Symptoms

Threadworms often go unnoticed by people who have them.

However, they can cause intense itching around the anus (and the vagina in girls), particularly at night when the female worms are laying eggs. This can disturb sleep.

In some cases, you may spot threadworms on your bed clothes or sheets at night, or you may notice them in your stools. The worms look like threads of white cotton and are about 1cm long.