How to Kill Pinworms

Pinworms or Enterobius vermicularis, are a type of parasitic roundworm the size of a staple. This small, thread-like worm infects the rectum and colon of affected individuals. While anyone can develop a pinworm infection, children are most susceptible due to the contagiousness of the disease. Children can spread pinworm eggs when they neglect to wash their hands after using the restroom. Pinworm infections can cause distress, with symptoms including insomnia from intense night itching, irritability and abdominal pain.

Things You'll Need

• Mebendazole
• Albendazole
• Pyrantel
• Anti-itch medication
• Nail clipper
• Soap
• Water
• Underwear
• Washer

Instructions

1. Treat everyone within your home for roundworm, even if symptoms aren't present, recommends the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Preventative methods should be taken to avoid reinfection, especially if you have children within your household.

2. Get medications prescribed by your doctor. Medications include mebendazole, pyrantel and albendazole. Ask your doctor to prescribe you an anti-itch medication to alleviate the symptom.

3. Take one dose of the combined medications, followed by another single dose two weeks after, suggests the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

4. 

   Observe hand hygiene.

   Trim your nails and frequently wash your hands while undergoing treatment. This can prevent the spread of infection.

5. 

   Remove pinworm eggs by taking showers.

   Wash your body daily, preferably in a shower. This helps remove pinworm eggs. Avoid washing your children in a bath at the same time, to prevent contamination of their bathwater. Change your underwear daily, especially during treatments.

Tips & Warnings

• Washing your bed linens and clothing regularly to kill pinworm eggs and prevent reinfection. Wash the items on the hottest setting.

• Avoid biting your nails.

• Do not to scratch the affected area because it transfers pinworm eggs underneath your nails.

References

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Pinworm Infection; Treatment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Parasites; Enterobiasis Also Known as Pinworm Infection; Treatment

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Water-related Hygiene; Pinworms