How to Get Rid of Pinworms

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Pinworms, or threadworms, are tiny, worm-like parasites that cause severe itching around the anus. The body is sometimes able to fight off mild infestations, especially if home treatment is provided. Due to the extremely contagious nature of pinworms, however, it is generally recommended that an affected individual seek medical treatment to rid themselves of the parasite faster. Continue reading to find out more about what you need to do to get rid of pinworms.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Eliminating Pinworms Through Good Hygiene

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pinworms have a lifespan of about six weeks, so to clear up pinworm infection without medication and prevent re-infection, you and your family will have to take great care with personal hygiene and cleanliness for at least this long. [1]
    • Pinworms are highly contagious, so everyone in the household should participate.
    • Even if you passed the parasite to someone else, it is possible to become re-infected.
  2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water to help prevent the spread of pinworms.
    • Be especially diligent about washing your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
    • It’s also essential that you teach your children about the importance of washing their hands, and make sure they follow through because children often unknowingly spread the infection.
    Advertisement
  3. Pinworm eggs can get lodged under fingernails when you scratch, so cut nails short and scrub them to reduce the likelihood that this will occur. [2]
    • Cutting nails might also keep you from engaging in bad habits such as nail-biting, which increase the risk of pinworm infection.
  4. Pinworm eggs can get on your clothes and bedding, especially as you sleep, which makes it vital that you wash these items daily in hot water and laundry detergent. [3]
    • Underwear, pajamas, pants, towels, and washcloths should be washed daily for the duration of the infestation.
    • Bedding should also be washed daily unless an anti-parasite medication is taken, at which point it only needs to be washed on the first day of treatment and every three days or so after that.
    • Dry all items in a heated dryer. Heat is more effective at killing pinworms than other methods of drying.
    • Be careful not to share towels or washcloths so you do not spread the infection.
  5. Take a hot shower at least once a day while the infestation continues. Use body wash or soap as you wash as opposed to merely rinsing yourself with water. [4]
    • Pay special attention to the skin around the anus so that you scrub away any pinworm eggs.
    • Shower in the morning so you can wash away more pinworm eggs left behind during the night.
    • Showers are better than baths because they reduce the risk of spreading pinworm eggs to other parts of your body. Pinworm eggs that are washed off into bathwater can find their way to your mouth or other areas of the body.
  6. Cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces is important because pinworm eggs can stick to things you touch such as clothing, toys, dishes, and furniture. The eggs can also survive two to three weeks outside the body. [5] [6]
    • Toilet seats should be cleaned daily.
    • Clean and disinfect counters and other surfaces regularly.
    • Clean and disinfect your child’s toys.
    • Store toothbrushes in a cabinet and rinse them with warm water before use.
  7. Even though pinworms usually cause an irritating itch, you should avoid scratching around the anus because you might get the pinworm eggs on your hands or fingers and transmit the infection to other people. [7] [8]
    • Scratching affected areas may cause the pinworm eggs to get trapped under your nails.
    • Wear gloves or socks over your hands at night to prevent yourself from scratching in your sleep.
    • Cut your nails short. This way, even if you do scratch by accident, it is less likely that the pinworm eggs will get lodged beneath the nail.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Treating Pinworms with Medication

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Get a pinworm diagnosis. Reach out to your doctor and tell them that you think you may have pinworms. They can give you supplies to collect samples to check if pinworms are the cause of your itching. Before you go to bed or right as you wake up, press a piece of cellophane tape on the area around your anus. Collect samples over 3 days to return to your doctor.
  2. Look for an oral medication containing pyrantel pamoate. This medicine paralyzes the nervous system of pinworms, forcing them to exit the body in one's stool. [9]
    • Follow label instructions to determine the dosing amount and frequency.
    • This medication should not be used if you have liver problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
    • Pyrantel pamoate can interact with other medications and supplements so it’s a good idea to ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you to use before taking it.
  3. Individuals with pinworm infestation are often treated with an anti-parasite medication that quickly wipes out adult pinworms.
    • The two most common anti-parasite medications used to treat pinworm infestations are albendazole and mebendazole. Both of these drugs prevent worms from absorbing sugar, thereby causing them to lose energy and die. [10] [11]
    • These drugs may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including stomach pain and nausea. [12]
    • More severe side effects include a sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If any unusual side effects appear, stop use and contact your doctor.
    • Your doctor may advise against these prescription treatments for patients who are pregnant or under the age of two years.
  4. Ask your doctor for their recommendation on an anti-itch cream safe for use near the anus. You may receive an over-the-counter or prescription cream. [13]
    • Even though the anti-parasite medication will be enough to kill the pinworms, you may still experience itching after the initial round of medication. This can be both uncomfortable and problematic, since eggs may remain in the system even after all matured pinworms have died off. Scratching can spread these eggs, making the matter worse.
  5. Your doctor may recommend taking a second round of medication two weeks after the conclusion of the first round. [14]
    • Pinworm symptoms may fade or disappear within the first week of treatment, but these medications only kill adult worms. A second-round or "repeat" treatment kills any pinworms that hatch from eggs that were not destroyed by the initial treatment.
  6. Although pinworm medication is effective, it's imperative that you and your family observe good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of re-infection and transmission of pinworms. Follow the guidelines in Method 1 to prevent re-infection from occurring and to reduce the risk of transmitting pinworms to other people.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Children often transmit pinworms because they don’t understand the importance of practicing good hygiene. Teach your children about how to prevent pinworms and make sure they follow the treatment guidelines.
        Thanks
        Helpful 11 Not Helpful 6
      • Sleeping can be hard for children when having been infected, but try and sit with them and bring their attention to something else. Tell them you will make sure they are safe to stop the worrying.
        Thanks
        Helpful 12 Not Helpful 7
      • For increased effectiveness, try combining the methods described above to get rid of pinworms.
        Thanks
        Helpful 13 Not Helpful 7
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Pinworms are highly contagious, and it’s important to treat the entire household to reduce the risk of re-infection and transmission.
        Thanks
        Helpful 105 Not Helpful 60
      • Over-the-counter pinworm treatments can interact with other medications and supplements so it’s a good idea to ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you to use before taking it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 81 Not Helpful 54
      • People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctor about how best to treat pinworm infection because over-the-counter or prescription medicines might not be safe to use.
        Thanks
        Helpful 7 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Recognize and Prevent a Pinworm Infection
      How to
      Recognize Dwarf Tapeworm Infection
      Hookworm Treatment: How to Kill Worms and Eliminate Symptoms
      The Most Common Intestinal Worms and How to Recognize Them
      How to
      Deworm Yourself
      How to
      Kill Pinworm Eggs
      How to
      Tell if You Have a Tapeworm
      How to
      Use Ivermectin
      How to
      Get Rid of Tapeworms in Humans
      How to
      Get Rid of Threadworms
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://childrensmd.org/uncategorized/anal-itch-diagnose-permanently-get-rid-pinworms/
      2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/children/tc/pinworms-topic-overview
      3. ↑ http://childrensmd.org/uncategorized/anal-itch-diagnose-permanently-get-rid-pinworms ?
      4. ↑ http://childrensmd.org/uncategorized/anal-itch-diagnose-permanently-get-rid-pinworms/
      5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/children/tc/pinworms-topic-overview
      6. ↑ http://childrensmd.org/uncategorized/anal-itch-diagnose-permanently-get-rid-pinworms/
      7. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/children/tc/pinworms-topic-overview
      8. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/pinworm/about/
      9. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/pyrantel.html
      1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600027
      2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600879
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinworm/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376386
      4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pinworm.html
      5. ↑ http://www.babycenter.com/0_pinworms_68364.bc?page=2#articlesection4

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you think you have an infestation of pinworms, you should seek medical treatment right away, since they are extremely contagious. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription treatment for the pinworms. In the meantime, wash your hands frequently with soap and water to help prevent the spread of the pinworms, and cut and scrub your fingernails to ensure there are no eggs lodged beneath them. Take a hot shower at least once a day, but avoid baths, as this can spread the pinworm eggs to other parts of your body. Read on to learn tips from our medical reviewer about anti-itch creams you may be able to use for pinworms.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,545,959 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Christine Philion

        Apr 25, 2017

        "Excellent information to identify and treat the parasites, using an OTC, without having to see a doctor to acquire ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement