Pinworms are highly contagious, so everyone in the household should participate. Even if you passed the parasite to someone else, it is possible to become re-infected.
Be especially diligent about washing your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers. It’s also essential that you teach your children about the importance of washing their hands, and make sure they follow through because children often unknowingly spread the infection.
Cutting nails might also keep you from engaging in bad habits such as nail-biting, which increase the risk of pinworm infection.
Underwear, pajamas, pants, towels, and washcloths should be washed daily for the duration of the infestation. Bedding should also be washed daily unless an anti-parasite medication is taken, at which point it only needs to be washed on the first day of treatment and every three days or so after that. Dry all items in a heated dryer. Heat is more effective at killing pinworms than other methods of drying. Be careful not to share towels or washcloths so you do not spread the infection.
Pay special attention to the skin around the anus so that you scrub away any pinworm eggs. Shower in the morning so you can wash away more pinworm eggs left behind during the night. Showers are better than baths because they reduce the risk of spreading pinworm eggs to other parts of your body. Pinworm eggs that are washed off into bathwater can find their way to your mouth or other areas of the body.
Toilet seats should be cleaned daily. Clean and disinfect counters and other surfaces regularly. Clean and disinfect your child’s toys. Store toothbrushes in a cabinet and rinse them with warm water before use.
Scratching affected areas may cause the pinworm eggs to get trapped under your nails. Wear gloves or socks over your hands at night to prevent yourself from scratching in your sleep. Cut your nails short. This way, even if you do scratch by accident, it is less likely that the pinworm eggs will get lodged beneath the nail.
Follow label instructions to determine the dosing amount and frequency. This medication should not be used if you have liver problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Pyrantel pamoate can interact with other medications and supplements so it’s a good idea to ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you to use before taking it.
The two most common anti-parasite medications used to treat pinworm infestations are albendazole and mebendazole. Both of these drugs prevent worms from absorbing sugar, thereby causing them to lose energy and die. [10] X Research source [11] X Research source These drugs may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including stomach pain and nausea. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source More severe side effects include a sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If any unusual side effects appear, stop use and contact your doctor. Your doctor may advise against these prescription treatments for patients who are pregnant or under the age of two years.
Even though the anti-parasite medication will be enough to kill the pinworms, you may still experience itching after the initial round of medication. This can be both uncomfortable and problematic, since eggs may remain in the system even after all matured pinworms have died off. Scratching can spread these eggs, making the matter worse.
Pinworm symptoms may fade or disappear within the first week of treatment, but these medications only kill adult worms. A second-round or “repeat” treatment kills any pinworms that hatch from eggs that were not destroyed by the initial treatment.
