A-Z of Illnesses
Threadworm
What is it?
Threadworm is very common. It is a little worm that can get into your tummy. It mainly infects young children but adults can get it too.
It makes your bottom itch. Don't scratch or you can break the skin which will make it even more sore.
Treatment
Go and see your doctor who has special medicines. Everyone in a family may have to be treated.
It will go away if you follow the doctor's advice.
How do you catch it?
This is not very nice and shows you why you should wash your hands after you've been to the toilet. The worms lay their eggs around your bottom. If you get them on your hands and then touch your mouth they can get into your mouth and then down into your tummy.
Keep your fingernails short to stop eggs catching in them, have a bath every day, change your clothes and sheets every day.
