Taking medication will help kill threadworms, however it does not kill the eggs, which can stay alive for 2 weeks outside of the body. Therefore to it is important to follow strict hygiene measures during the infection and for a few weeks afterwards. This will reduce the chances of you other people in your household getting infected or you getting re-infected.
Self-help measures you can take to help clear threadworm infection and stop reinfection include:
- Washing hands regularly, including scrubbing under fingernails – particularly before eating, after using the toilet or changing nappies
- Cutting fingernails short – this will help stop eggs from being trapped underneath them upon scratching and will also prevent the skin being damaged when you itch
- Avoid biting nails or sucking on fingers or thumbs
- Bathing or showering every morning
- Thoroughly washing all clothing such as sleepwear, bedsheets and towels – you should avoid shaking the clothing or bedding when washing as this could result in eggs from being spread to other surfaces
- You should clean your household thoroughly ensuring all surfaces are disinfected and floors are mopped and vacuumed
- Ensuring children wear underwear at night, which should be changed in the morning
- Avoiding sharing towels or flannels
