Threadworm

Enterobius vermicularis The disease is contagious from human to human. The eggs are very resistant and survive for up to 2 weeks in dust and bedding. A home can contain eggs - especially the bedroom. If a child has threadworms one assumes that the whole family is infected, even if the others can not find threadworms in their stools. The whole family must therefore be treated with medicine. (Latin name)

By Bjarne Lühr Hansen PhD, MD and Philipp Skafte-Holm MD, Mentor Institute

Threadworm generally does not give any genes apart from itching at the rectum opening. Threadworms look like 1-2 cm long white "sewing threads". The whole family must be treated.

Most families have tried to be plagued by threadworms. Threadworms live in the intestine and move down to the rectum opening where they lay their eggs.

Threadworms can get you concerned, but it is a very peaceful disease. Normally, threadworms do not cause discomfort – apart from the idea of having worms in the intestine. The disease is most commonly seen with children, but also occurs with adults. It is often spread to the entire family when it is discovered.

The only complaint with threadworm is intense itching at the rectum opening at night when the snakes crawl out to lay the eggs. Typically, the parent or child detects the disease when they see the worms. The worms are 1-2 cm long and white - they look like small pieces of white sewing thread that moves. The worms are seen around the rectum opening or in the stool.