How to Deal With Pinworm Itching at Night

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), infect humans' intestines. The female pinworms migrate from your intestines to your anus to lay their eggs. While some individuals may not experience symptoms, those who do develop symptoms experience itching as a result of the egg laying. Since female pinworms usually lay their eggs at night, difficulty with sleeping can occur. While you can use ointments to help soothe your itching, you should also take medications with your physician's recommendations to help eradicate your infection.

Things You'll Need

• Nonscented soap
• Towel
• 1 percent hydrocortisone cream
• Petroleum jelly
• Prescription antipruritic cream
• Nail clippers

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Instructions

• 1

  Cleanse the affected area with nonscented soap and water. Perfumed soaps will aggravate your itching. Gently blot the area dry with a towel.

• 2

  Apply 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to the area. Carbolated petrolatum (petroleum jelly) may also alleviate itching.

• 3

  Ask your physician for a prescription for antipruritic cream if itching becomes persistent. Trim your nails with clippers to avoid scratching the affected area.