According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, pinworm infection is fairly common in young children. Symptoms of pinworm infection include itching around the rectum and the appearance of small white worms in the child's stool. The itching may worsen at night while your child is in bed. Girls may develop vaginal itching and discharge as well, states the Dr. Greene website. A physician needs to be contacted if you suspect your child has pinworms.
Step 1
Obtain a pinworm lab kit from your doctor. According to the Dr. Greene website, your doctor may instruct you to take a piece of transparent tape and stick it to the skin around the anus when the child wakes up in the morning. The tape can then be attached to a glass slide and examined for the presence of pinworms.
Step 2
Give your child the anti-worm medication provided by your doctor. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that a chewable dose of mebendazole may be given to the child. A repeat dose is required three weeks later. Another medication option is pyrantel, given as a single dose.
Step 3
Take the pinworm medication. Since pinworms are very contagious and repeat infection is common, your doctor may request that all members of the household consume the anti-worm medication.
Step 4
Wash all bedding. Remove worms and eggs by putting towels, sheets and blankets in the washer. Use the hot water setting and place items in the dryer. Floors should be vacuumed and all surfaces that the child has touched must be wiped down.
Step 5
Clean and trim the child's fingernails. Pinworm eggs can get under a child's nails when she scratches. Use nail clippers to keep nails clean and short. The child should also wash her hands on a regular basis, including before meals and after using the bathroom to get rid of eggs under the nails.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-worm medication
- Nail clippers
- Soap
- Pinworm lab kit
