Pin Worm OTC Treatment

A pin worm, also known as a thread worm, is a small parasitic roundworm that typically lives in the colon and rectum of humans. A pin worm infection, known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis, is the most common type of roundworm infection in the United States and generally presents with no serous health problems unless the patient is infected with hundreds of worms. Thankfully, it is easily treatable through either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a pinworm infection are typically mild and relegated primarily to itching in or around the anus, though gastrointestinal issues can occur. The cause of the symptoms is due to the female pinworm making her way from the intestines to the colon and depositing her eggs on the skin surrounding the anus. The subsequent itching can lead to discomfort, restlessness and difficulty sleeping.

Over the Counter Treatment

• Though most pinworm medication is available via prescription only, there are two OTC medications designed to treat pinworm infections. Should prescription medication be too expensive, or if you'd prefer to not see a physician, Pin-X is a single-dose over the counter remedy containing pyrantel pamoate (a deworming agent known as an anthelmintic). The other is Reese's Pinworm Medication, also a pyrantel-based medication.

  Garlic has also been shown to be an effective treatment in treating worm infections in humans, and is consumed either orally or peeled and inserted into the rectum before the going to sleep (Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Application of Allium sativum L. and Related Species. Williams & Wilkins, 1996, pp.173-4).

Prescription Treatment

• The most commonly prescribed anti-parasitic medication for pinworm infections is Albendazole. Taken best with meals, the prescription comes in tablet form with dosages being dependent on the severity of the infection. Side effects are rare and include fever, itching, skin rash, fatigue, sore throat. Less common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting.

  Should the itching and discomfort become severe, your doctor might prescribe or refer an over the counter soothing ointment to be applied to the affected area until all the pin worms and eggs are completely gone.

Pin worm Prevention

• One of the best ways to treat pinworms is to prevent them from recurring once cleared up. Good hygiene, including washing hands before and after eating food, keeping fingernails clean and short and avoiding scratching the perianal area, are the most effective ways to prevent pinworms. Beyond this morning baths or showers are recommended and are effective in removing a large proportion of pinworm eggs. Before, during and after infection it is always best to keep bedsheets and clothing clean, washing them in regular intervals.