Threadworms (Pinworms) in Ireland — Family Treatment Guide
How to spot threadworms, treat the whole family, and stop reinfection.
What threadworms are
Threadworms are tiny white worms that live in the bowel and lay eggs around the anus, causing intense itch — especially at night. They are extremely common in children but can affect anyone.
How they spread
Eggs survive for up to 2 weeks on bedding, towels, toys, and surfaces. They are picked up on hands and ingested when hands go to the mouth.
Treatment — treat the whole family
- Mebendazole single dose for everyone in the household over 6 months old
- Repeat in 2 weeks (kills any eggs that hatched after the first dose)
- Strict hygiene for 2 weeks — frequent handwashing, short fingernails, avoid scratching, daily baths in the morning
- Hot wash bedding and underwear day 1 of treatment
What an Online Doctor can do
Confirm the diagnosis, prescribe mebendazole for the whole household, and signpost reinfection prevention.
Pregnancy and infants
Mebendazole is generally avoided in the first trimester and in babies under 6 months. Hygiene measures alone may suffice; we will guide you.
FAQs
Why does my child still itch after treatment?
Itch can persist for a few days. If it lasts more than a week, consider reinfection or another cause.
Do I need a stool test?
Usually not — diagnosis is clinical. Sticky-tape test is simple if needed.
Can pets get them?
No — human threadworms are species-specific.
How quickly does treatment work?
Itching usually settles within 1–2 days; full eradication needs the second dose at 2 weeks.
Cost?
€34.99 consultation; mebendazole is inexpensive.
Speak to an Online Doctor
Same-day video and phone consultations across Ireland, €34.99.