What are pinworms? How do they spread? What are the symptoms? When should you see a doctor? Get answers to all your questions about pinworm treatment for kids.

What are Pinworms?

Pinworms are small, white, thread-like worms that live in the human intestine. They are the most common type of intestinal parasite infection in the United States, especially affecting children aged 5 to 10 years old.

How Do Pinworms Spread?

Pinworm infections spread easily from person to person. The adult female worm crawls out of the infected person’s anus at night and lays her eggs in the surrounding skin, causing itching and scratching. When a person scratches, the tiny eggs can get on their fingers and be transferred to other surfaces, where they can be picked up and swallowed, leading to reinfection or spreading to others.

Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

The main symptom of pinworms is itching around the anus, especially at night. This is caused by the female worms crawling out to lay their eggs. In some cases, the worms may also move to the vagina and cause vaginal itching in female children.

Diagnosing Pinworms

To diagnose pinworms, you need to see the actual worms or their eggs. The best way to do this is by using a “tape test” – sticking a piece of clear tape to the skin around the anus in the morning before the child goes to the bathroom or washes. The tape is then removed and examined for pinworms or their tiny, white eggs.

Treating Pinworm Infections

Pinworm infections are treated with prescription medication, usually two doses taken two weeks apart. All family members and close contacts should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

Preventing Pinworm Reinfection and Spread

Proper hygiene is key to preventing the spread of pinworms. This includes:

• Frequent handwashing, especially before meals and after using the toilet
• Keeping fingernails clean and trimmed short
• Showering or bathing daily
• Disinfecting surfaces and laundering bedding and clothing regularly
• Vacuuming carpets and floors thoroughly
• Washing raw fruits and vegetables before eating

When to See a Doctor

You should see your child’s doctor if you see pinworms, if anal itching lasts more than a week, or if the skin around the anus becomes red or tender. The doctor can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Can pinworms be prevented?

Yes, there are several steps you can take to help prevent pinworm infections:

• Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly, especially before eating and after using the toilet
• Keep fingernails trimmed short to prevent scratching and spreading of eggs
• Bathe daily and avoid sharing towels or baths
• Wash bedding, clothing, and surfaces regularly in hot water
• Vacuum carpets and floors frequently
• Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating

How do I know if my child has pinworms?

The best way to diagnose pinworms is to do a “tape test”. Before your child uses the bathroom or washes in the morning, place a piece of clear, sticky tape around their anus. Remove the tape and look for any small, white worms or tiny eggs. This should be done for 2-3 mornings in a row to confirm the diagnosis.

How are pinworms treated?

Pinworms are treated with prescription medication, usually two doses taken two weeks apart. All family members and close contacts should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection. It’s also important to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, during and after treatment.

Can pinworms go away on their own?

No, pinworms will not go away on their own. They require proper treatment with prescription medication to eliminate the infection. Without treatment, the pinworms will continue to lay eggs and reinfect the person, as well as spread to others in the household.

Are pinworms dangerous?

Pinworms are generally not dangerous, but they can be very annoying and uncomfortable, especially for children. While they don’t cause any serious health issues, they can lead to secondary infections if the skin around the anus becomes irritated from excessive scratching. Prompt treatment is recommended to get rid of the pinworms and prevent the spread to others.

How long does it take to get rid of pinworms?

With proper treatment, pinworm infections can usually be cleared up within a few weeks. The prescription medication kills the adult worms, and the two-dose treatment helps to eliminate any newly hatched worms. However, it’s important to follow all instructions and complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully cleared.