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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Intestinal Thread Worms?

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Posted on Thu, 26 Feb 2015
Question: Hi, I have had threadworms for a long time and none of the medicines from the pharmacy have had any effect and I am very disturbed with the situation, I keep myself very clean and shower every morning on waking up.
I am considering colon irrigation as my only option and want to know if I have a course of this will it work or are there any other options. Is there also anything I can add to my diet that can help?
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you can try mebendazole

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your query. I understand your concern. This is an embarrassing scenario but can be tackled appropriately.

First of all, though you are maintaining hygiene, some points should be followed, which include:
1. Wear tight underwear at night.

2. Have a bath or shower each morning and wash around the anus.

3. Change and wash underwear, nightwear, and, if feasible, bed linen and towels each day. Do not shake them as this spreads eggs. Do not share towels.

4. Keep fingernails short and clean. Wash hands and scrub under the nails first thing in the morning, after using the toilet or changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.

5. Put toothbrushes in a closed cupboard, and rinse them well before use.

All the family should be treated together if possible as asymptomatic infection is common, and transmission may occur through handling of contaminated food, clothing, and bed linen.

Mebendazole is the drug of choice. It is given as a single oral dose, and is best repeated after two to three weeks in case re-infection has occurred.
The drugs do not harm threadworm eggs, which may remain viable for up to two weeks. To avoid re-infection it is important to clear the living environment of viable worm eggs on the day that drug treatment is started. The cleaning blitz in bedrooms and bathrooms must be followed by a continued routine of good hygiene.

I am sure with this simple steps you would be able to clear the infection. Everybody does it eventually.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (55 minutes later)
Thank you, you didn't mention the idea of colon irrigation though as per my original question, would this help to clear the worms?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No I don't think that is a good idea

Detailed Answer:
Colonic irrigation is not a scientific therapy for threadworms. It is not backed by scientific evidence and advised mostly by alternative medicine practitioners.

I am unable to recommend it because of these reasons.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Intestinal Thread Worms?

Brief Answer: you can try mebendazole Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. I understand your concern. This is an embarrassing scenario but can be tackled appropriately. First of all, though you are maintaining hygiene, some points should be followed, which include: 1. Wear tight underwear at night. 2. Have a bath or shower each morning and wash around the anus. 3. Change and wash underwear, nightwear, and, if feasible, bed linen and towels each day. Do not shake them as this spreads eggs. Do not share towels. 4. Keep fingernails short and clean. Wash hands and scrub under the nails first thing in the morning, after using the toilet or changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food. 5. Put toothbrushes in a closed cupboard, and rinse them well before use. All the family should be treated together if possible as asymptomatic infection is common, and transmission may occur through handling of contaminated food, clothing, and bed linen. Mebendazole is the drug of choice. It is given as a single oral dose, and is best repeated after two to three weeks in case re-infection has occurred. The drugs do not harm threadworm eggs, which may remain viable for up to two weeks. To avoid re-infection it is important to clear the living environment of viable worm eggs on the day that drug treatment is started. The cleaning blitz in bedrooms and bathrooms must be followed by a continued routine of good hygiene. I am sure with this simple steps you would be able to clear the infection. Everybody does it eventually. Hope this helps. Regards