PINWORMS

PINWORMS
Pinworms are about 1/2 inch long, thread-like white worms that infect the anal area and large intestine. Over 10% of children have them. They do not cause any serious health problems, but they can cause considerable itching and irritation of the anal area. Your children can get pinworms no matter how carefully you keep them clean.

Prevention:
Infection is caused by swallowing pinworms eggs. The adult female pinworm comes outside the anus at night and deposits hundreds of eggs in the skin. The following personal hygiene measures can help reduce the risk of re-infesting your child spreading the infection to others.

- Scrub hands thoroughly after each meal and after each use of the toilet.
- Discourage thumb sucking and nail biting
- Each morning, give your child a shower, with careful washing of the anal area
- Each morning, machine wash clothes and bedding – this will kill any egg present
- Vacuum or wet mop child’s room entirely once a week since the eggs on the floor are infectious for 3 weeks

Treatment:
Treatment of pinworms is almost always successful with a single dose of Vermox, a prescription medicine to be taken by mouth. Call our office during office hours for the prescription. Pinworms are not an emergency!

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional care.
You should consult your own physician or other health care provider for specific advice and treatment,
which advice and treatment will be based upon your individual facts and circumstances.