What Are the Treatments for Pin Worms?

Pinworms, or threadworms, are a species of roundworm that can infect the colon and rectum. They are spread through direct contact with infected feces, or through indirect contact routes including infected clothing, bedding or food. Pinworm infection is most common among preschool and school-aged children, residents of group homes and other institutions, and caretakers and relatives of those already infected. Effective treatment for pinworms involves medication, behavioral changes and the elimination of routes for further infection.

Symptoms and Detection

• The primary symptom of pinworm infestation is itching around the anus, particularly at night. Depending on its intensity, itching may also lead to sleep disturbances and restlessness. To confirm the presence of pinworms in your child, check the skin around the anus two or three hours after bedtime, when the staple-sized white worms are most likely to be active. You may also visually check for the presence of pinworms in feces. Mild cases of infection may not cause any external symptoms. See your doctor if you suspect pinworms are present.

Pinworm Medication and Behavioral Changes

• Treatment for significant pinworm infection requires the use of anti-parasite medication. Common choices include pyrantel (Pin-x) and albendazole (Albenza). Typically, you will receive two doses of medication, with a two-week interval between treatments. Since pinworms are easily transferred, it is common to treat an entire household or staff even if only one individual is infected. To reinforce the effects of treatment, make sure to avoid actions that might further spread infection such as scratching of the anal area and nail biting. Also clean and disinfect all toilet seats regularly. Showering daily will reduce the presence of any pinworm eggs, as will washing all clothing, towels and bedding in hot water. Change clothes regularly, and do not wear dirty clothing twice.

  Pinworm medication is typically effective, but it cannot address temporary symptoms. If itching is significant, ask your doctor to prescribe or recommend an ointment to soothe your skin during treatment. In some cases, pinworms are not thoroughly eliminated by a first course of treatment. If this is true for you, a second two-part treatment will be needed.

Preventing Reinfection

• Pinworm eggs can survive for as long as 3 weeks, and reinfection is quite common. To reduce chances of reinfection, do what you can to eliminate common sources of problems. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and make sure your children do the same. Be especially aware of hand hygiene before activities such as eating, changing a diaper or using the toilet. Keep your nails cut short to avoid harboring pinworm eggs beneath your fingernails. Continue following daily bathing and clothing guidelines, and keep washing your laundry in hot water.

  In some circumstances, your home measures may still be insufficient to prevent reinfection. If this is the case, look for possible outside sources. Pinworm infestations at school or day care are common culprits, and you may need to contact school officials to inform them of the problem. If you or a family member work with an institutionalized population, increase hygiene vigilance to eliminate sources of infection.