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What are pinworms?

Pinworms spread very easily. Female pinworms exit the anus during the night to lay their eggs. This causes itching, and people with pinworms may unknowingly transfer the eggs to their fingers, clothes, or bedding. Other people then pick up these eggs through food or by touch. The eggs enter the mouth and mature in the large intestine. The pinworm's life cycle is four to six weeks.

The main symptom of a pinworm infestation is intense nighttime itching near the anus. Pinworms rarely cause any damage, but the itching is uncomfortable and can cause trouble sleeping, leading to tiredness and irritability.

Over-the-counter drugs are usually very successful in eliminating pinworms. Therapy involves a one-time dose that you repeat three weeks later if the infestation hasn't cleared. Doctors can prescribe medicines if over-the-counter products don't work.

Because pinworms are so contagious, when one person gets them, most doctors recommend treating everybody in that person's household.

To prevent spreading or getting pinworms, always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Be sure to wash after petting animals as well, because they can easily carry pinworm eggs. Cook food carefully and thoroughly. Use soap and water to clean all knives and utensils used on raw meat. Avoid restaurants that seem unsanitary. Shower daily in the morning, and keep fingernails short.

Regularly wash bed linens, nightclothes, underwear, and towels. Clean and disinfect toilet seats and bathtubs.

Sources:
Swartzberg, J.E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus Inc., 1998.
Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies. Medletter Associates Inc., 1999.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Diseases and Conditions, "Pinworm infection." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/3/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 8/3/2001.
This information updated 1/3/2007.