Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for pinworms

by Ardith Kozey Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The medications used for the treatment of pinworm are either mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole. Any of these drugs are given in one dose initially, and then another single dose of the same drug two weeks later. Pyrantel pamoate is available without prescription.

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Clean the anus with soap and water after each bowel movement.Use clean washcloths or paper towels each time. Scrub the toilet seat daily with disinfectant or soap and water ( Picture 2 ). Wipe down any toys that your child usually puts in his mouth or hard surfaces that he has touched with disinfectant or soap and water.

Healthline.com

The medications used to treat pinworms are: Pyrantel pamoate Mebendazole Albendazole

Trueremedies.com

Strict observance of good hand hygiene is the most effective means of preventing pinworm infection. This includes washing hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food. Keep fingernails clean and short, avoid fingernail-biting, and avoid scratching the skin in the perianal area.

Homeremedyshop.com

Jun 16, 2020 · Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat. Don't scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child's fingernails so there's less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails. Wash your hands.

Allremedies.com

Mar 07, 2019 · Pyrantel pamoate is in most over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for pinworms. This includes Reese’s Pinworm Medicine and Pin-X. Prescription-strength medications are also available. Your doctor may...

How do I get immediate relief from pinworms?

Mar 01, 2022 · There are three medications used to treat pinworm: Pyrantel pamoate. This is available without a prescription. You can buy it at a drugstore or online for about 10 dollars. Mebendazole (Emverm). This is only available by prescription. In the United States it is not available as a generic.

Can pinworms kill you?

Mar 02, 2021 · Medication to get rid of pinworms include: Usually, a single tablet of mebendazole ( Vermox) is used as pinworm medicine. This can sometimes be repeated a week... Another effective medication is albendazole ( Albenza) but it may require other medications to reduce the inflammation... Pyrantel ...

Can pinworms go away on their own?

Apr 21, 2015 · Prevention — how to keep the pinworms out of your home Wash all bed linen, pajamas, and anything your child sleeps with. Vacuum your carpets and mop your floors regularly (at least weekly). Clean every floor in your whole house, especially... Clean surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom daily, ...

What are some cures for pinworms?

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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...

What is the best medication for pinworms?

The most common prescription anti-parasite medications for pinworms are: Mebendazole. Albendazole (Albenza)

How to confirm pinworms?

Diagnosis. Your doctor can confirm the presence of pinworms by identifying the worms or eggs. To help your doctor make a diagnosis, you can perform the tape test. As soon as the person you suspect has pinworms wakes up and before he or she uses the toilet, washes or gets dressed, press the adhesive side of a piece of transparent tape to ...

How to test for pinworms?

The test involves pressing the adhesive side of a piece of transparent tape to the skin around the anus of the person you suspect has pinworms as soon as the person awakens. The eggs stick to the tape. You then take the tape to your appointment so the doctor can look for pinworms or eggs under a microscope.

How to check for pinworms in a child?

Click Here. You have to see the eggs or worms to make the diagnosis. The best way to do this is by doing a tape test . In the morning, before your child goes to the bathroom or washes up, put the sticky side of a piece of clear tape around the anus. Remove the tape and look for pinworms or their eggs. You can also buy a tape test kit at the pharmacy.

Where do pinworms live?

They can sometimes be seen in and around the child's bottom (anus) and in bowel movements. These worms live in the intestine.

How to get rid of eggs in the air?

Change bed linens and put clean underwear and clothes on every day .Avoid shaking these things so that eggs are not put into the air. Promptly wash used bed linen, all clothing, towels and washcloths in hot water with detergent.

How to keep kids' fingernails clean?

Hand washing is most important.Have your child and all family members wash their hands often.They should wash before meals or eating, after using the toilet and after scratching ( Picture 1 ). This is a good habit to do at all times. Keep your child's fingernails clean and cut as short as possible.

How long do pinworm eggs live?

Eggs can live for 2 to 3 weeks outside the body. They can be found in house dust, on toilet seats, bed linens and toys and in play areas in or outside the home. Although pinworms only grow in humans, the eggs can be carried in a pet’s fur. Pinworms are harmless but annoying. They spread easily to others.

How to get rid of a swollen anus?

Do not let children bathe together or share items. Clean the anus with soap and water after each bowel movement.Use clean washcloths or paper towels each time.

How to clean a toilet seat for kids?

Scrub the toilet seat daily with disinfectant or soap and water ( Picture 2 ). Wipe down any toys that your child usually puts in his mouth or hard surfaces that he has touched with disinfectant or soap and water.

What is the best medicine for pinworms?

The medications used to treat pinworms are: Pyrantel pamoate. Mebendazole. Albendazole. Pyrantel pamoate is the medication most commonly used to treat pinworms.

How to prevent pinworms?

The most effective way to prevent a pinworm infection is by practicing cleanliness in the following ways: Wash your hands often: Using soap and warm water, wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, before handling food or touching your mouth or nose, and after petting a dog or cat.

How long do pinworm eggs live?

Once hatched, the female pinworms make their way to the anus to lay their eggs. Pinworm eggs can survive for 2-3 weeks on fingers, under fingernails, and on surfaces such as linens, clothing or toilet seats.

Why does my vagina itch at night?

Sleeplessness: Because anal itching is worse at night, people suffering from a pinworm infection can have trouble sleeping, which can lead to decreased concentration, tiredness and weight loss. Vaginal itching: In females, symptoms can also include vaginal discharge (seepage) and itching in the vaginal area.

How to get pinworm eggs?

In addition, the doctor may ask you to collect the pinworm eggs using the “tape test.”. To do this: Place a clear piece of tape over the anal area as soon as the infected person wakes up in the morning. The eggs will stick to the tape. Take the tape to the doctor, following your doctor’s directions.

How to get rid of pinworms on kids?

Make sure your children wash their hands, too. Keep surfaces clean: Clean toys, counters, toilets, utensils, dishes and other surfaces frequently with soap and water to lower the risk of spreading the infection. Shower often: People who have pinworms should shower every day to remove some of the eggs from the skin.

What is pinworm?

Pinworms, also known as threadworms, are tiny white or light gray worms that cause the common infection called enterobiasis. Usually found in children, pinworm can be treated with anti-parasitic medications that do not require a prescription.

Who should be treated for pinworm?

The infected person’s household contacts and caretakers also should be treated. If pinworm infection continues to occur, the source of the infection should be sought and treated. Playmates, schoolmates, close contacts outside the home, and household members should be considered possible sources of infection.

How long after first pinworm treatment?

Treatment involves two doses of medication with the second dose being given 2 weeks after the first dose. All household contacts and caretakers of the infected person should be treated at the same time.

Why do you trim your fingernails after pinworm treatment?

Trimming and scrubbing the fingernails and bathing after treatment is important to help prevent reinfection and spread of pinworms. More on: Handwashing. Back To Top. This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider.

How long after pinworm treatment should you shower?

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. Showering may be preferred to avoid possible contamination of bath water. Careful handling and frequent changing of underclothing, night clothes, towels, and bedding can help reduce infection, reinfection, and environmental contamination with pinworm eggs. These items should be laundered in hot water, especially after each treatment of the infected person and after each usage of washcloths until infection is cleared.

How is pinworm spread?

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 directly by hand or indirectly through contaminated clothing, bedding, food, or other articles.

What is the most common worm infection in the United States?

Pinworm infection occurs worldwide and affects persons of all ages and socioeconomic levels. It is the most common worm infection in the United States. Pinworm infection occurs most commonly among. school-aged and preschool-aged children, institutionalized persons, and. household members and caretakers of persons with pinworm infection .

Why does my child itch at night?

Itching during the night in a child’s perianal area strongly suggests pinworm infection. Diagnosis is made by identifying the worm or its eggs. Worms can sometimes be seen on the skin near the anus or on underclothing, pajamas, or sheets about 2 to 3 hours after falling asleep.

What are the complications of pinworm?

Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include: Urinary tract infections. Weight loss.

How big is a pinworm?

Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length.

How long do pinworm eggs stay on toilet seats?

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include: Wash in the morning.

How to prevent a child from biting their nails?

Trim your child's fingernails so there's less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails. Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

Can pinworms cause sleepiness?

Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep. Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, ...

How to get rid of pinworms?

This treatment requires a two-step approach. Swallow a teaspoon of pure coconut oil each morning. Before you go to bed, rub a small amount of coconut oil into the affected area .

Why do children get pinworms?

It often occurs in school-aged children, partly because they’re generally less diligent about hand washing. Young children often share items and brush up against each other while playing, which can put them at risk for reinfection.

How to get rid of worms in your intestines?

It’s thought that eating a cup of raw, shredded carrots twice per day can help your body push the worms through your intestines. This is because the fiber-rich carrots can improve digestion and promote bowel movement.

What to do if your symptoms are not subsided?

If you’re using a home remedy and your symptoms haven’t subsided within a few days, you should consult your doctor. If you believe your body has cleared the infection, you should still follow up with your doctor to ensure that your condition is no longer contagious.

How to get rid of a swollen ear?

You’ll also need to make adjustments to your personal hygiene and home care. Follow these tips: 1 Wash your hands regularly. 2 Keep your fingernails short, and refrain from biting your nails. 3 Wear tight underwear. 4 Wash your underwear in hot water each day. 5 Change your sleepwear regularly. 6 Mop or vacuum the floors in all living spaces. 7 Wash all linens and bedding in hot water.

What is pinworm infection?

Readers Comments 11. Share Your Story. Pinworm infection is an infection of the large intestine and anal area by a small, white parasite that resembles a "worm.". The medical name for the parasite is Enterobius vermicularis, but it is commonly termed a pinworm in both the lay and medical literature.

What is a pinworm test?

Pinworm Test. Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the U.S. The pinworm ( Enterobius vermicularis) is a small white worm. Symptoms of pinworm infection include anal or vaginal itching. The pinworm or "sticky tape test" is performed with adhesive tape or a pinworm paddle.

How does pinworm spread?

Pinworm infection is spread person to person. The symptoms of pinworm infection are caused by the female pinworm moving and laying her eggs, and this usually occur s at night . Within a few hours of being deposited on the skin around the anus, pinworm eggs become infective (capable of infecting another person).

What parasitic worms feed on the host animal?

Pinworms and other helminthic parasitic worms (which, as a group, are termed helminths) feed off of the host animal by adsorbing nutrients from the host animal. Pinworm infections are the most common helminth infection that occurs in the US. Pinworms only infect humans.

How do you know if you have pinworms?

The major signs and symptoms of pinworm infection are discomfort and itching in the anal/rectal area. Children especially will scratch the rectal/anal area, get eggs on their fingers or underneath their fingernails and transport the infective eggs to bedding, toys, other humans, or back to themselves.

What is the highest rate of pinworm infection?

The highest rates of pinworm infection occur in school-age children. They are followed by preschoolers. Institutional settings including daycare facilities often harbor multiple individuals (adults and children) with pinworm infections. Sometimes, nearly half of the children may be infected in a daycare facility.

How big are pinworm eggs?

They range in size from 2-13 mm, are white, and resemble a worm but the pinworm eggs are small, transparent, and can be seen only with a microscope. Pinworm infections are spread person-to-person by ingesting pinworm eggs that have contaminated fingers, bed linens, clothing, nightclothes, or other items.

How long does a pinworm last?

Strict hygiene measures can clear up pinworm infection without medication, and reduce the risk of reinfection. The worm has a lifespan of about six weeks, therefore the strict hygiene needs to last that long.

How to get pinworm eggs out of your house?

Vacuum your carpets and mop your floors regularly (at least weekly). Clean every floor in your whole house, especially bedrooms and bathrooms. Your goal is to get the eggs out of your carpets and off your floors. Pinworm eggs can live 2-3 weeks outside the body.

How many children carry pinworms?

An estimated 20-40% of American children carry pinworms at any given time. They are also known as threadworms, or enterobius vermicularis. They are ubiquitous in our community and anyone can catch them. Pinworms live in the digestive tract and especially the anus. Pinworms can also infest the vagina in females.

How to teach kids to wash their nails?

Make sure everybody’s fingernails are cut short. Teach children to wash under their nails with a nail brush daily. If you have a nail biter or finger sucker, consider this a motivational opportunity to quit. Teach children to wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom and before eating.

How to stop scratching your hands and nails?

Always wear tight-fitting underwear (not boxer shorts). Change your underwear every morning. Cotton gloves may help prevent scratching during sleep. Everyone in the household needs a bath or shower daily.

How to help a child with anus?

Pick a night when they didn’t have a bath, if possible. Bring a good flashlight, and have your child lay on their belly with their buttocks in the air. Spread the butt cheeks and get a good look at the anus.

What to do if you have eggs on your clothes?

There is a risk of swallowing eggs that have shaken off the bed linen. Make sure everybody’s fingernails are cut short. Teach children to wash under their nails with a nail brush daily.

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