Treatment FAQ

how long can you spread pinworms egg after treatment

by Kirstin Skiles V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Pinworm eggs become infective within a few hours after being deposited on the skin around the anus and can survive for 2 to 3 weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects.

Medication

Pinworm eggs become infective within a few hours after being deposited on the skin around the anus and can survive for 2 to 3 weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects. People become infected, usually unknowingly, by swallowing (ingesting) infective pinworm eggs that are on fingers, under fingernails,...

Self-care

So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include: Wash in the morning. Change underwear and bed linen daily. Launder in hot water. Don't scratch. Wash your hands.

Nutrition

There is a slight risk that Pinworms may spread to others. Treat family members only if they have symptoms. If another child sleeps with the infected child, they also should be treated. If any of your child's friends have symptoms, be sure to tell their parents. These children should get tested or checked for pinworms.

How long does it take for pinworm eggs to infect you?

Eggs may be inhaled from the air or deposited onto food and swallowed. Pinworms can survive up to two weeks on clothing, bedding or other objects, if kept at room temperature.

How do you prevent the spread of pinworm eggs?

Can pinworms spread from one child to another?

How long can a pinworm egg survive on clothing?

See more

How long after pinworm treatment are you contagious?

If you're using an OTC medication, your symptoms will likely subside within three days of your first dose. The infection is still considered contagious for the following three weeks. This is because any eggs that have been laid can hatch and further the spread of the infection.

Can you spread pinworms after treatment?

It is easy to be reinfected with pinworms or spread them to others. During treatment and for 2 weeks after treatment is finished, do the following: Hand washing is most important. Have your child and all family members wash their hands often.

How long after hatching do pinworms lay eggs?

After a few weeks, the female pinworms move to the end of the large intestine, and they come out of the body at night to lay their eggs around the anus (where poop comes out). The amount of time that passes from when someone swallows the eggs until the worms lay new eggs is about 1 to 2 months.

Do pinworms lay eggs after treatment?

Pinworm eggs continue to be present (excreted) in the feces of an infected person for up to a week after the treatment, so precautions should be taken to prevent reinfection by washing hands thoroughly, especially under the nails. Bathe daily. Change and wash clothing and bedding frequently.

How do you clean a mattress after pinworms?

For several days after treatment, it is important to clean the bedroom floors, either by vacuuming or damp mopping. After treatment has been administered, you should also wash all bed linens in hot water. Remember – do not shake these items out before putting them in the washing machine.

How many times can you take pinworm medicine?

If you are self-treating for pinworms, take the medication once only. Do not repeat the dose without talking with your doctor first. Depending on the type of worm infection you have, your doctor may direct you to take the medication only once or for several days.

How do you stop pinworms from laying eggs?

PreventionWash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. ... Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.Launder in hot water. ... Don't scratch. ... Wash your hands.

How long can worm eggs live on surfaces?

Threadworm eggs can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks. As well as being swallowed by a person who touches a contaminated object or surface, threadworm eggs can also be swallowed after being breathed in. This can happen if the eggs become airborne – for example, after shaking a contaminated towel or bed sheet.

Can you get pinworms from a toilet seat?

The eggs are deposited around the anus by the worm and can be carried to common surfaces such as hands, toys, bedding, clothing, and toilet seats.

What cleaner kills pinworm eggs on surfaces?

Clorox wipesPinworm eggs can live 2-3 weeks outside the body. Clean surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom daily, especially faucet knobs and the toilet flush handle. Use Clorox wipes or a rag with hot water.

Can you see pinworm eggs?

The eggs may be easily seen under a microscope. To obtain a sample, a piece of cellophane tape is pressed against the patient's anal opening. The sticky side of the tape picks up the pinworm eggs and the tape is then stuck to a microscope slide. The eggs can be viewed under the microscope, as seen above.

How contagious is pinworms?

Pinworms are contagious and easily spread, usually from child to child. Pinworm eggs can be picked up on children's fingers when they're playing. When children who are infected scratch their itchy bottoms, the tiny eggs can get under their fingernails. Eggs can stay on your child's skin for several hours.

What Are The Symptoms of A Pinworm Infection?

Pinworm infection (called enterobiasis or oxyuriasis) causes itching around the anus which can lead to difficulty sleeping and restlessness. Sympto...

Who Is at Risk For Pinworm Infection?

Pinworm infection occurs worldwide and affects persons of all ages and socioeconomic levels. It is the most common worm infection in the United Sta...

How Is Pinworm Infection Spread?

Pinworm infection is spread by the fecal-oral route, that is by the transfer of infective pinworm eggs from the anus to someone’s mouth, either dir...

Can My Family Become Infected With Pinworms from Swimming Pools?

Pinworm infections are rarely spread through the use of swimming pools. Pinworm infections occur when a person swallows pinworm eggs picked up from...

My Little Kids Like to Co-Bathe – Could This Be How They Are Becoming infected?

During this treatment time and two weeks after final treatment, it is a good idea to avoid co-bathing and the reuse or sharing of washcloths. Showe...

Did My Pets Give Me Pinworms / Can I Give Pinworms to My Pets?

No. Humans are considered to be the only hosts of E. vermicularis which is also known as the human pinworm.

How Is Pinworm Infection Diagnosed?

Itching during the night in a child’s perianal area strongly suggests pinworm infection. Diagnosis is made by identifying the worm or its eggs. Wor...

How Is Pinworm Infection Treated?

Pinworm can be treated with either prescription or over-the-counter medications. A health care provider should be consulted before treating a suspe...

Should Family and Other Close Contacts of Someone With Pinworm Also Be Treated For Pinworm?

Yes. The infected person and all household contacts and caretakers of the infected person should be treated at the same time.

What Should Be Done If The Pinworm Infection Occurs Again?

Reinfection occurs easily. Prevention always should be discussed at the time of treatment. Good hand hygiene is the most effective means of prevent...

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment options include medication and self care to protect oneself from being infected.
Medication

Anti helmenthics: Drugs used to eliminate parasites from the body.

Mebendazole . Albendazole

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Maintain proper hygiene.
  • Sterilize the toys, clothes and other belongings of the infected person.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • High fiber diet such as raw vegetables and whole grains
  • Probiotic foods such as yoghurt and buttermilk
  • Garlic
  • Pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, carrots, beets and apples

Foods to avoid:

  • Refined sugar

Specialist to consult

Pediatrician
Specializes in the health of children, including physical, behavioral, and mental health issues
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Complications

Image
Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms lay thousands of eggs in the folds o…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Symptoms of pinworm infection may include: 1. Itching of the anal or vaginal area 2. Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness 3. Occasional stomach pain and nausea Pinworms often cause no symptoms.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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