Pinworms

Pinworms are tiny white worms that live in the intestines and lay eggs around the anus. They can cause itching, especially at night. Pinworms are not dangerous nor carry diseases. They are not a sign of poor hygiene or poor parenting. They are very common in children and spread easily among children in childcare or schools. A small number of people may experience no symptoms.

How they are spread

Pinworms spread when your child comes into contact with eggs and accidentally ingests them. This can happen if an infected person scratches the itchy area, gets eggs on their fingers, and then touches someone else’s mouth. Eggs can also be picked up from common items like toilet seats, bedding, clothing, and toys. Ingesting eggs that have become airborne is possible. This can occur when bedsheets are shaken, Eggs can survive outside the body for up to two weeks. It can take from two weeks and up to two months from exposure to symptoms.

What you can do

If you suspect your child has pinworms, consult your doctor. A simple test can confirm the infection. Pinworm treatment includes two doses of an oral medication: the first pill when they first find out that they have pinworms, then another pill two weeks later. The itching can persist for at least a week after treatment.

To help prevent further spread, encourage your child to avoid scratching. Bathing them in the morning can help remove many of the eggs.

How can I prevent pinworms from spreading?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after toileting and when preparing food.
• Reinforce handwashing messages for the whole family.
• Keep fingernails short and discourage nail-biting.
• Try not to scratch around your anus or between your legs.
• Wash bed linens but avoid shaking them to prevent spreading the eggs.
• The eggs are sensitive to sunlight. Open blinds or curtains in bedrooms during the day when your child isn’t sleeping.

Services related to this information:

• Contact your Public Health Nurse.
• Contact your physician, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555