Pinworms are parasitic organisms with long, non-vertebra bodies, which live in the anal and intestinal cavity of the human body. They spread by poor hand-washing and hygiene techniques. Pinworms live three to six weeks on surfaces and the mode of re-infection is hand to mouth. The doctor will prescribe medication to stop pinworm infection. These medications used to stop pinworm infection include mebendazole, pyrantel and albendazole.
Proper Hand Washing
Good, repeated hand washing can eliminate the chance for re-infection of pinworms. Keeping the hands clean and nails short can reduce the changes of occurrences of these irritating parasites in the body.
Frequent Showering
Frequent showering, especially in the morning, will help eliminate the problem because female pinworms lay the eggs near the anal cavity during the night. Keeping the anal area clean will help stop the worms from contaminating other persons and surfaces throughout the home.
Clean Bathing Areas
Keeping areas clean in the house, especially where a person bathes, remains important even after ridding the home of pinworms. Pinworm eggs are very small, light particles that easily move in the air attaching themselves to areas that commonly touched such as doorknobs, the floor, bedding and any other surface. Cleaning the handles on faucets with ammonia as well as the toilet seat after each use will help to prevent re-infection of the worms.
Change Bed Linens
When adults have pinworm infections, the bed linens need frequent washing in ammonia and dish detergent to kill the worms. Using a drier at a high temperature also will help kill the worms. Pinworm eggs may rub off on sheets during the night. Even when the pinworms no longer trouble the adult, the procedure of frequent cleaning should continue to make certain none of the creatures remain in the home that can cause another infection.
Change Nightclothes
Adults also should wash their nightclothes every day to prevent a re-infestation of pinworms. Nightclothes may hold the eggs, as well as sheets and other materials in the home, and need frequent washing in hot soap water containing ammonia. Changing nightclothes on a daily basis will help stop the infestation and spread of pinworms.
Avoid Scratching
Remembering as an adult not to scratch near the anal cavity remains important to avoid re-infestation of pinworms. If anal itching still occurs after prescribed treatment, the doctor can prescribe an anti-itching cream to stop it as well as the irritation. Avoiding putting the hands into the mouth is helpful.
