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Are there any alternative therapies for pinworms?

Pinworms are small, white, threadlike worms that can live in the large intestine. Pinworms are spread when people who are infested unknowingly transfer the eggs to their fingers, clothes, or bedding. Other people then pick up these eggs through food or by touch. The main symptom of a pinworm infestation is intense nighttime itching near the anus.

No alternative therapies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of pinworms. Over-the-counter drugs are usually very successful in eliminating the problem. Doctors can prescribe medicines if over-the-counter products don't work.

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:
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
The Review of Natural Products. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Grencis, R. “Enterobius, Trichuris, Capillaria, and Hookworm Including Ancylostoma Caninum” Gastroenterology Clinics 25 (1996).
Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. William Morrow & Co., 1999.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.
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.