Worms

Worms that are found in humans are threadworm (pinworms)worms, tapeworms, roundworms and whipworms. Worms are parasites that live mainly in human intestines. People can get worms via human contact or by swallowing the eggs in contaminated food and on objects. There can be parasites in raw meat as well as on vegetables. Children tend to get infected by touching contaminated toys.

The most common type of worm is the threadworm (pinworm). Threadworms are small white worms no longer than one centimetre. They lay eggs near the anus, which trigger itching around the rectum. The eggs are spread to other persons and objects through scratching. Threadworms can be especially difficult to get rid of in children, because they can get reinfected again and again.

Tapeworm, roundworm and whipworm infections are no longer common in the UK thanks to good hygienic conditions. The chance of contamination is a lot greater in warm and tropical countries. These worm infections generally do not lead to many complaints and can be recognised by the presence of eggs or bits of worm in stool.

Vermox or Mebendazol are effective treatments for worms and can be ordered quickly and discreetly.