Best Tips to Get Rid of Pinworms

Pinworms are a common (and embarassing) childhood ailment.  We’re going to talk about what they are, what causes them, how they are transmitted and how to get rid of them!

Hi, I’m Hilary Erickson — many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse, but I also used to work for a pediatrician, and we used to get LOTS of calls about Pinworms — so I thought I’d share a bit of info about THAT today.

Pinworms

What Are Pinworms?

Pinworms are ¼ to ½ inch white worms that will live inside their host’s large intestine. Some people also call them threadworms, as they look like tiny white threads in the bowel movements.

Their medical name is enterobius vermicularis — not nearly as fun as “pinworms” 🙂

How common are pinworms?

They are the most common intestinal parasite in the United States and one of the most common worldwide, infecting 20 to 42 million people in the US per year.

So, even though it feels horrible — it is a VERY common worm infection.

Since they’re so small, a person won’t typically notice a pinworm infection until they start itching. Pinworms spread by laying eggs on the skin around the anus, which will transfer to anything that comes in contact. Preschoolers, school-aged children, and their families are the most likely to contract pinworm infection.

Pinworms and pinworm eggs can survive for 2 or even 3 weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects.

What causes pinworms?

The child will initially ingest the pinworm or the eggs (by having them on their hands) and then, after they travel through their digestive tract (some living in the small intestine), they re-infect themselves by continuing their poor hand hygiene.

The {disgusting} circle of life – eh?

Most people infected by pinworms don’t notice until they start itching.  Possible symptoms of pinworm infection include itching of the anal area, insomnia, intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, or loss of appetite.

If you have a large infestations there can be weight loss as well.

If your child is extremely itchy all the time around their bum (anal itching) to the point of being unable to sleep or has a sudden and uncharacteristic loss of their appetite, they might have a pinworm infection. 

How to check for pinworms

Some ways to confirm your suspicions about a pinworm infection would be to visit your health care provider or perform the “Scotch Tape Test”. Press a piece of cellophane tape against the skin around your bum (sticky side toward the skin) and check the tape for eggs, worms, or evidence of either.

The best time to do the tape test is the middle of the night or early in the morning before showering or using the bathroom to prevent the disturbance or removal of the eggs.

This is the best way to get a diagnosis of pinworm.

Pinworms Transmission

It follows the fecal/oral transmission.

So, bum to hand, to mouth….

I know, gross.  BUT, smart — because they make your bum so itchy — kids itch, and then grab a snack and then… well, you get the picture. 🙁

Which is why you should also watch out for family members getting it too.

How long do pinworms last?

They really can last indefinitely as most kids keep re-infecting themselves with new pinworms!

When I worked at the pediatrician’s office, we would actually get this call a LOT from parents — SO, when Reese’s Pinworm Medicine contacted me to sponsor this post, I thought it was a good plan.

I think most parents are just afraid of a pinworm infection, and don’t even want to think of it.  BUT the reality is that it won’t cure itself, and there are some easy ways to get rid of them!  Big thanks to Reese’s Pinworm Medicine for sponsoring this post!

Keep in mind these can get really itchy — so much so that kids can’t sleep, or concentrate.  They can really be a problem!

How to get rid of pinworms?

Getting rid of pinworms includes a MEDICATION along with other mechanical ways to prevent reinfection — such as washing items, and proper hand hygiene.

Pinworm Medicine

To treat pinworm infection, your doctor can get you prescription medications, or you can take Reese’s Pinworm Medicine.

It takes 72 hours to clear the system of pinworms. Dosages for the medicine vary based on the weight of the individual being treated.  The itching may also continue for up to 72 hours after taking the medicine.

For best results, make sure the whole family gets treated, as pinworm infection spreads relatively easily, across all surfaces to all household members.

It is also super important that you clean your home/clothes/bed linens or bed sheets (killing any adult worms) and toilet seats first thing with pinworm treatments. Most people recommend using hot water. Doing this is imperative for disease control. It will kill their tiny eggs.

I would also recommend cutting your child’s fingernails short as that makes them less likely to hide there, and easier to wash their hands. Especially since they’ll use those nails on their itchy bottom

During the treatment process, you can use these Wipes to relieve the itchy area associated with pinworm infections.

However, make sure that you’re using proper hygiene while using the medication so you stop the cycle and don’t need a second dose.

**If you have any questions about if Reese’s is right for YOU or for your family, I would 100% recommend talking with your doctor first!

Pinworm Treatment

To prevent getting re-infected by pinworm, you can take simple measures such as showering daily, changing your underwear and bedding, washing your hands, trimming your fingernails, and keeping your house clean.

Home Remedies for Pinworms

You can TRY to stop the cycle by making sure you wash hands, but it’s going to be hard.  Most doctors recommend a medication.

And, if you’re looking for some PARENTING help too — come join me in Practical Parenting — with some of my FAVORITE tips to make the days a little easier as a mom. 🙂