How to Treat Human Pinworms
The pinworm, or enterobius vermicularis, is a fairly common intestinal parasite. According to Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, about 40 million people in the United States carry this roundworm in their intestines, and the vast majority of those infected are children. While harboring pinworms is rarely dangerous, the perianal itching caused by nighttime egg-laying is a nuisance and the resulting scratching can lead to the spread of bacteria. Follow these steps to ensure that these parasites are eradicated.
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Instructions
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Call your physician and make an appointment if you or your child experience perianal itching, especially at night.
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Before your doctor's appointment, apply and remove clear Scotch tape on your or your child's perianal region in the early morning. This will collect a sample of eggs and possibly female pinworms that can help verify the infection.
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If your doctor detects the presence of pinworms, she will prescribe an anti-parasitic medication. Take the drug, which is usually a single dose, as directed.
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Take the medication again two weeks after your initial dose, as directed by your doctor. This second round is necessary because the initial dose killed the worms but not the eggs that had already been laid, and by this point those eggs will have hatched.
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Now that the infection is eradicated, take care to wash your and your child's hands thoroughly and often to prevent another outbreak.
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Tips & Warnings
Pinworms are spread by fecal-oral contact. Always ensure your hands are thoroughly washed after using the bathroom and before eating.
The medications used to kill pinworms can cause rare but serious adverse reactions, including liver failure. Refer to the medication-information packets, and consult your doctor if any worrisome symptoms arise.
