Herbal Pinworm Treatment for Infants

Pinworms are intestinal parasites most commonly found in children, according to Baby Center online. They cause anal itching and can be a source of restless sleep. They may be seen as small white, pin-shaped worms, about 1/2-inch long, around the outer part of the anus, but are not always visible. Herbal treatments are available but are not recommended for children under 1 year. The safest natural remedy for an infant will be one that the infant does not have to ingest, but used rather as a salve around the anus.

Identification

• Check for worms at night.

  Pinworms live in the intestines but come out at night to lay their eggs on the outside of the anus. You will be able to see these using a flashlight in a dark room; the worms look like bits of white thread. Use a small piece of sticky tape to remove the worms, and these can be taken to the doctor's for confirmation of infestation.

How Infection Occurs

• Eggs can be caught under fingernails.

  Pinworms are transferable only between humans by means of touching items that have pinworm eggs on them, such as bedding, clothes, toys and food, or by direct contact with someone who has the eggs under their fingernails. Once the eggs are ingested, the pinworms hatch and grow into adults, and the cycle starts all over again.

Diatomaceous Earth Salve

• Make a salve with diatomaceous earth.

  Food grade diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring soft rock powder that is harmful to insects and worms because the fine powder cuts through their protective outer shell and dehydrates them, according to Professor Stuart B. Hill with the Department of Entomology and Ecological Agriculture Projects. The powder is completely safe for humans, and older children and adults can even take it internally as a de-wormer. Simply mix the powder with a little water and spread around the anus.

Garlic Salve

• Make a salve with garlic.

  Grind raw garlic to make a paste and mix less than 1/2 pinch of it with Vaseline. Apply this on the anal region to deal with the itchiness and kill the eggs

Preventing Reinfestation

• Keeping clean

  Cleanliness is the key to prevention. Everyone in the household should wash hands thoroughly and keep fingernails trimmed short. Bedding and clothes should be washed often, as well as mopping floors to clean up any eggs. Keep your child's anal area as clean as possible. Ask all visitors to the house to also wash hands, being especially mindful about little children.