Threadworm, also known as pinworm, is a common intestinal infection caused by small, white parasitic worms that live in the bowel. It most often affects children but can spread easily to adults through close contact or contaminated surfaces. The infection is not dangerous but can be very uncomfortable and disrupt sleep due to itching and irritation around the anus.

The main symptom of threadworm infection is intense itching around the anus, particularly at night when the female worms lay eggs. Other symptoms can include disturbed sleep, irritability, loss of appetite, or mild stomach pain. In some cases, the worms can be seen as tiny white threads in the stool or around the anal area.

Threadworms spread when eggs are transferred from contaminated hands or surfaces to the mouth. The eggs can survive on bedding, clothing, toys, and bathroom surfaces for up to two weeks. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines, and the cycle begins again. This makes good hygiene essential to stop reinfection and spreading to others.