Pinworms, or threadworms, are white, thin worms that range in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. They are the leading cause of intestinal worm infection in America, according to the Mayo Clinic, and affect school-aged children more than any other age group. The most common symptoms of pinworm infection are anal itching and disturbed sleep caused by the female worm laying eggs around the anus at night. Treatment focuses on killing the worms and preventing re-infection.
Step 1
Give the affected child an anti-parasitic medication, such as mebendazole, albendazole or pyrantel prescribed by a physician, to kill the pinworms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that two doses of medication are usually required to eliminate the infection, with the second dose being given 14 days after the first dose.
Step 2
Treat all members of the household, even if no symptoms of infection are present. Pinworms are highly contagious, which makes re-infection likely unless all family members are treated simultaneously.
Step 3
Clean and disinfect all toys, floors and other household surfaces with very hot water or a bleach solution. Pinworms can survive up to three weeks on most surfaces, according to the Mayo Clinic. Linens, towels and clothing must be washed in very hot water to kill the eggs and live worms.
Step 4
Wash the child's anal area every morning to remove as many eggs as possible from the body. Showering is better than bathing in a tub to prevent recontamination by eggs in the bath water.
Step 5
Encourage the child to avoid scratching his or her anal area and trim his or er fingernails to prevent injury and to reduce the available space for eggs to collect. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends preventing children from biting their nails or putting their hands in their mouths.
Step 6
Wash your child's hands thoroughly and often with hot water and soap. This is especially important after having a bowel movement and before eating or handling food.
Tips and Warnings
- Keeping your curtains and blinds open may help prevent and treat pinworm infection. The worms are sensitive to sunlight, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. In addition to anal itching, pinworm infection may cause abdominal pain and nausea. Some people experience no symptoms.
- Pinworms are easily spread from child to child, especially when hygiene is poor. Infection occurs when a child or adult swallows the eggs through food or drink, or by putting contaminated fingers into the mouth. The eggs hatch inside the intestines and mature into adults in just a few weeks.
Things You'll Need
- Household chlorine bleach
- Nail clippers
