What happens if you treat pinworms?

Treating pinworms usually involves taking oral medication, such as mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate. These medications work by paralyzing the pinworms, causing them to be expelled from the body through the stool.

After treatment, the symptoms of pinworm infection, such as anal itching, irritability, and sleep disturbances, should gradually improve. However, it's important to follow the recommended treatment regimen and complete the full course of medication, as prescribed by your doctor, to ensure complete eradication of the pinworms.

It's also important to practice good hygiene to prevent reinfection, such as:

- Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers.

- Keeping your fingernails short and clean.

- Avoiding scratching the anal area.

- Changing underwear and bed linens frequently and washing them in hot water.

- Disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with pinworm eggs.

In most cases, pinworm infections can be successfully treated and cleared with proper medication and hygiene practices. However, if symptoms persist or if reinfection occurs, it's important to consult with your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.