Treating Pinworm: Medication & Prevention
Pinworms (also known as threadworms) are parasitic infections that look like a thin thread, hence their name. They are found to grow in human and animal guts. Pinworms are the most common parasitic worm in the US, and the most commonly affected groups are children and household contacts of infected children. Pinworms lay eggs around your bottom (anus), which makes it itchy. As well as some suspicious symptoms, it is possible to see pinworms occasionally in your child’s poop. They are pale white moving worms and can be seen quite clearly if you look for them.
They are so infectious because the worm’s eggs take around 2 weeks to hatch. The eggs can then get stuck on your child’s fingers when the area is scratched. They can then pass on to anything they touch, including clothes, pets, tables, toys, etc. The eggs are ingested by hand-to-mouth transfer after touching a surface with the eggs or scratching your bottom. Because of this and the time lag with the eggs hatching – repeated treatments are commonly needed.
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Who should avoid starting pinworm treatment?
For pregnant or breastfeeding women, medical treatment is not usually recommended. The recommended treatment choice is hand washing and hygiene measures for 6 weeks. Treatment is sometimes considered in the first trimester (12 weeks) of pregnancy but should be avoided throughout the rest of the pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
For children aged 6 months and under, similar hygiene measures alone for 6 weeks are recommended, as there is a risk of side effects from the medications.
Healthwords pharmacists top tips
If you or someone in your house has symptoms of pinworms, you should ensure everyone washes their hands and cleans under the fingernails, particularly before eating, after going to the bathroom or changing diapers.
It is important to keep fingernails short as the eggs sit in the bed of the nail.
Wash sleepwear, sheets, towels and soft toys at a high temperature if there is a suspected case. Also disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
If your children sleep without underwear, it is recommended to wear underwear to reduce the spread of the eggs.
When to see your doctor?
If you suspect that you or someone in your household may have pinworms, you should visit your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you think your child has pinworms and they're under 2 years old. In these circumstances, treatments can differ. It is also important to go see your doctor if the pinworm infestation is severe or persistent (even after initial treatment), especially if it is causing severe symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, skin infection around the anus, insomnia, or bedwetting.
Help from the pharmacy
If you or your child has pinworms, everyone in your household should generally be treated at the same time to prevent the infection from spreading or returning. Treatment options include over-the-counter pyrantel pamoate (Reese's Pinworm Medicine) and prescription mebendazole (Emverm). These medications are generally used in adults and children aged 2 years and older. Consult a healthcare professional before treating children under 2 years old.
Treatment typically involves a single dose, followed by a second dose two weeks later to kill worms that hatch after the first treatment. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions or the product label. Continue practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, keeping fingernails short, and washing bedding and clothing, for at least two weeks after the final dose to reduce the risk of reinfection.
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