Pinworms are the most common type of parasitic worm infection in the U.S. These worms, which are also called threadworms or Enterobius vermicularis, live in the lower portion of the large intestine. Female worms crawl out of the rectum while the infected person is asleep and deposit their eggs on the skin around the anus. This causes a common symptom of pinworm infection--intense itching. Pinworm infections are spread by ingesting the eggs of the worms. Therefore, good hygiene and frequent hand washing are essential to preventing the spread of pinworms. Because young children tend to be unpracticed or inconsistent in their hygiene skills, pinworm infections are most common in this age group. Medication and the prevention of reinfection are the primary treatment strategies for pinworms.
Eradicate through Medication
Mebendazole, albendazole and pyrantel pamoate are antihelmintic (worm-killing) drugs used to eradicate pinworm infection. Mebendazole and albendazole disrupt structures inside the worms, which prevent them from taking in glucose; the worms eventually die without this essential nutrient. Mebendazole and albendazole are available only by prescription. Pyrantel pamoate kills pinworms by paralyzing their nervous system. This drug is available over-the-counter and by prescription. Each of these drugs is typically taken in a single dose, which is often repeated in 2 to 3 weeks. It is important to note that these drugs kill the worms but not their eggs, which can remain infectious for 3 weeks.
Treat Household Contacts and Caretakers
Pinworm infections (also known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis) tend to run in families; if one person in a household has pinworms, probability is that other household members are also infected. This is possible even if only one person has symptoms because pinworm infections can be asymptomatic. Therefore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all household contacts and caretakers be treated with an antihelmintic medication for pinworms at the same time as the person with the infection.
Rid the Household of Infectious Pinworm Eggs
Because the eggs remain infectious for 3 weeks, effective treatment of pinworms includes getting rid of any eggs that may be present in the household environment to prevent reinfection. Daily morning bathing or showering helps remove eggs that may have been deposited on the skin overnight. Underwear, pajamas, bed sheets and towels should be laundered in hot water. Scrupulous hand washing among all household members is important, especially after using the toilet, before eating and after handling any potentially contaminated clothing, bed sheets or towels. Keeping children's fingernails trimmed and encouraging them not to put their hands in their mouths can help prevent reinfection. Counters, floors and other surfaces that are potentially contaminated should be wiped down with hot, soapy water. Toys that may have been contaminated with pinworm eggs should be washed in hot water; if they cannot be cleaned, they may need to be discarded.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pinworm infection
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., John E. Bennett, M.D., Raphael Dolin, M.D., Editors; 2004
- Drugs.com: Mebendazole
- Drugs.com: Albendazole
- Drugs.com: Pyrantel pamoate
