How to Cure Pinworms in a Child
Pinworms are small white worms that can live in the intestines of humans. Pinworm infection is common, especially in school-age children. The worms infect a child when he ingests eggs, which may be found on hands, clothing, bedding or other surfaces an infected person has had contact with. The female pinworm lays eggs around the anus, which can cause itching that may be most noticeable at night. A pinworm infection can be eliminated with medication and good hygiene.
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Instructions
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See your child's doctor for medication. The doctor may prescribe mebendazole, which is a chewable tablet taken once and repeated in two or three weeks if needed, or the single-dose medication pyrantel, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
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Treat all family members and caretakers, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends. Pinworm infections can spread easily among household members, and it is best to treat everyone to prevent a recurrence.
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Encourage everyone in the house to practice good hygiene. Keep fingernails trimmed and clean, wash hands frequently, avoid biting nails and try to keep children from scratching the anal area.
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Shower or bathe your child every morning to remove eggs. The CDC recommends showering when possible to avoid contaminating bath water.
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Wash underwear, pajamas, towels, washcloths and bedding in hot water, especially after each treatment.
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Vacuum and mop floors, and wash toys and other surfaces in your home that the infected child has touched. Pinworm eggs can survive for up to three weeks on such surfaces.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider pulling back curtains and opening blinds in the child's bedroom during the day. Pinworm eggs are sensitive to light, according to the AAFP.
Gently handle laundry to avoid shaking it, which could release eggs into the home.
Talk to your child's doctor if symptoms persist; a second treatment may be needed.
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