Prompt treatment of pinworm infections is important in preventing the spread of the worms. Pinworms live in your child's intestine and lay eggs around the anus, causing itching. You may notice small, white worms in your child's underwear or bedding if he has a pinworm infection. The infection is spread by touching the mouth after touching the anus or after touching contaminated clothing or objects. If your child has pinworms, his doctor can prescribe medication to treat the infection and relieve anal itching. Treatment also involves cleaning objects and clothing to prevent a reinfection.
Step 1
Give your child the oral medication prescribed by her doctor. Your doctor may prescribe one tablet of mebendazole, a medication used to kill parasites. If the infection persists, your child may need to take a second tablet three weeks later, according to FamilyDoctor.org. A single dose medication may be used instead of a double dose medication, depending on your doctor's recommendations.
Step 2
Treat other members of the family with the oral medication. Because the infection is contagious, treating everyone in the home helps reduce the change of a reinfection.
Step 3
Bathe your child every morning to remove pinworms and eggs from the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends showering rather than bathing to prevent contaminating the bath water with eggs or worms.
Step 4
Provide your child with fresh underwear daily. Worms can collect in the underwear if your child wears the same underwear for several days.
Step 5
Clean under your child's fingernails and cut the nails short. If your child scratches his itchy anus, pinworm eggs may be trapped under the nails. Watch your child closely to ensure that he does not bite his nails or put his fingers in his mouth.
Step 6
Wash underwear, clothing, towels, toys and bedding in hot water to remove eggs and worms. Wash clothing soon after removal to prevent eggs or worms from contaminating other surfaces. Vacuum carpeting and clean other surfaces your child touches, such as floors, chairs or tables.
Tips and Warnings
- If an itchy anus makes it difficult for your child to sleep at night, ask your doctor for a cream to relieve itching. Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently as part of their daily routine. FamilyDoctor.org reports that children who suck their thumbs or don't wash their hands before eating are at increased risk of developing pinworms. If your child starts wetting the bed after previously being dry, call your doctor. Pinworms can irritate the urethra and cause bedwetting, according to Kids Health.
Things You'll Need
- Oral medication
- Cream for itching
