Pinworms: Treatment and Prevention

How Are Pinworms Diagnosed?

You have to see the eggs or worms to make the diagnosis for sure. The best way to check if your child has pinworms is the tape test. You can use regular, clear tape or buy a tape test kit at the pharmacy.

Follow these steps:

1. In the morning, before your child goes to the bathroom or bathes, put the sticky side of a piece of clear tape around their anus.
2. Remove the tape and look for pinworms or their eggs.
3. If you do not find pinworms, do the tape test 2 more mornings in a row to be sure.

Sometimes a diagnosis can be made just based on your child’s symptoms.

How to Treat the Infection

Your child’s doctor or health care provider will prescribe a special medicine to treat pinworm infections. Usually, your child will get 2 doses of medicine. The second dose is given 2 weeks after the first. Always read the label on the bottle of medicine to know how to give it.

Other family members and anyone who was in close contact with your child will need to be treated too. They will get the same medicine at the same time.

How to Prevent Reinfection or Spreading Pinworms to Others

It’s easy to get pinworms again or spread them to others. During treatment and for 2 weeks after treatment is done:

• Wash your hands often. Everyone in the household should wash their hands before eating snacks or meals, after using the toilet, and after any scratching.
• Keep your child’s fingernails clean and cut as short as possible. Teach your child to avoid biting their fingernails or touching their mouth.
• Have your child shower or bathe every morning. Do NOT let children bathe together or share bath items.
• Clean your child’s anus with soap and water each time after they poop. Use a clean washcloth or paper towel each time.
• Each day, use disinfectant wipes (Lysol^® or Clorox^®) or soap and water to wipe down: 
  • All toilet seats in the house.
  • All hard surfaces your child has touched.
  • Any toys that your child puts in their mouth.
• Change bed linens each morning. Wear clean clothes and underwear each day. Wash items in hot water with detergent.
• Do not shake the clothes as you take them off. You can put eggs into the air.
• Vacuum carpets and floors well. Wash the canister or change the vacuum cleaner’s bag after each use. Seal the bag before throwing it away.
• Wash raw vegetables or fruits in water before eating.
• Call your child’s school or childcare center so that they can help prevent the spread to others. Your child can return 24 hours after their first dose of medicine.

When To Call the Doctor

Call your child's doctor or health care provider right away if:

• You see pinworms.
• Anal itching lasts more than 1 week.
• The skin around the anus becomes red or tender.

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