Enterobiasis; Oxyuriasis; Threadworm; Seatworm; Enterobius vermicularis; E vermicularis; Helminthic infection

The main treatment is a single dose of either mebendazole or albendazole, which kill the pinworms (not the eggs).These are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

More than one household member is likely to be infected, so the entire household is often treated. The single-dose treatment is often repeated after 2 weeks. This treats worms that hatched since the first treatment.

To control the eggs:

• Clean toilet seats daily
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Wash all bed linens twice a week
• Wash hands before meals and after using the toilet

Avoid scratching the infected area around the anus. This can contaminate your fingers and everything else that you touch afterwards.

Keep your hands and fingers away from your nose and mouth unless they are freshly washed. Carry out these measures while family members are being treated for pinworms.

Pinworm infection is fully treatable.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Repeated infection with the parasite (re-infestation)
• Vaginitis

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• You or your child has symptoms of pinworm infection
• You have seen pinworms on your child

Images

Pinworm, close-up of the head

Pinworm eggs

Pinworms

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Pinworms Prevention

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)