Treating Threadworms with Ovex

Thankfully, threadworms are easy to treat, but in order to successfully eliminate worms the entire family will need to be treated and strict hygiene measures will need to be enforced. Even if other family members have no symptoms of threadworms, they will still need to take medication as the risk of infection within the household is extremely high and it's possible they are already infected but are not showing any symptoms.

How to Treat Threadworm with Ovex? 

The aim of all threadworm treatment is to kill all live adult worms and to prevent re-infection. This is why medication should be taken to kill the worms and hygiene measures should take place to stop the spread of eggs. Medication will be available from your local pharmacy or from online pharmacies.

Treatments like Ovex come in a single dose tablet form that contains Mebendazole, which is specifically for the treatment of threadworms. It is 90-100% effective and works by preventing the worms from being able to absorb sugars (glucose) that are essential for their survival. Their energy stores are therefore depleted and they should die within a few days. One dose is enough to kill the adult worms, but a second dose can be taken 2 weeks later if the infection comes back.

Hygiene & Treating Threadworm

The lifespan of the threadworm is approximately 6 weeks, which is why it is essential to follow a strict hygiene routine throughout this time to reduce the risk of re-infection. As the Mebendazole medication does not kill threadworm eggs, excellent hygiene will stop them from spreading further. Here are a few things you can do to help keep up your hygiene levels:

• When your child is first diagnosed, wash all pyjamas, bedsheets and towels and make sure they are well rinsed.
• Ensure everyone is washing their hands thoroughly and regularly, especially after using the toilet, before eating and after changing nappies.
• Make sure everyone's fingernails are kept as short as possible to reduce the risk of eggs getting stuck underneath. You could even introduce a nail brush and use daily to scrub under the nails.
• Hoover throughout the house thoroughly and pay attention to the bedrooms. You may want to try vacuuming mattresses and this should be repeated regularly.
• Avoid shaking material that could be contaminated with eggs as this could cause them to fall onto other surfaces.
• Clean the bathroom and kitchen carefully by damp-dusting and washing the cloths frequently in hot water.
• Keep food away from the bedroom as you run the risk of swallowing eggs.
• Discourage nail biting and thumb sucking.
• Make sure everyone is bathing and showering daily, preferably first thing in the morning. Pay attention to wash around the anus and vagina to remove any eggs.
• Don't share towels and make sure everyone has their own personal towel and flannel.
• Keep toothbrushes away in the cupboard and ensure they are well-rinsed before and after use.
• Wear close-fitting underwear at night underneath pyjamas and change underwear every morning.