Pinworms are small, worm-like parasites that are very itchy around the anus. The human body is able to fight light infestations, especially with the help of a home treatment, however, due to the extremely contagious nature of pinworms, it is recommended that medical treatment be sought so that the parasite can be eliminated quickly. Read on to learn more about pinworm treatment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Eliminating Pinworms Through Good Hygiene
Step 1. Commit to practicing good hygiene
Pinworms live for about six weeks. To exterminate the infection of these parasites without using medication and to avoid a new contamination, both the sick person and the people who live in the same place will have to be extremely careful with hygiene and cleaning during this period.
- Pinworms are extremely contagious. It is essential that all residents of the house have proper hygiene.
- It is possible to catch the parasite again even when passing it on to someone else.
Step 2. Wash your hands often
Use soap and hot water to prevent contamination from spreading.
- Take special care after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
- It is also essential to teach children about the importance of washing their hands. Follow them up and make sure they aren't accidentally spreading the infection.
Step 3. Cut and file your nails
Pinworm eggs can get lodged under the nails when scratching the anus. Cut and sand them to lessen the chance of this happening.
Cutting the nails also prevents those infected from adopting harmful habits, such as biting their nails. Such a custom increases the risk of pinworm infection
Step 4. Clean clothes, bedding and towels
Pinworm eggs can become lodged in clothing and bedding, especially while the individual is sleeping. Therefore, it is very important to wash these parts daily in hot water and detergent.
- Underwear, pajamas, pants, towels and washcloths should be washed daily while someone is suffering from an infestation.
- Bedding should be washed daily unless a drug to fight the parasites is being administered. In these cases, these parts should be washed only on the first day of treatment, and then every three days.
- If possible, dry everything using a warming dryer. Heat is the most effective way to kill pinworms.
- Be careful not to share towels and spread the infection.
Step 5. Bathe daily
Take a hot bath at least once a day for as long as the infestation continues. Don't just rinse yourself with water; use soap or liquid soaps when washing.
- Pay close attention to the skin around the anus, removing pinworm eggs.
- Bathe in the morning to eliminate eggs deposited at night.
- The ideal is to take a shower rather than a bath, as the risk of spreading pinworm eggs to other parts of the body is greater. Upon entering the bath water, the parasite's eggs may reach the mouth or other parts of the person's body.
Step 6. Clean surfaces that may be infested
This step is important because pinworm eggs can attach themselves to various objects touched by an infected individual, such as furniture, toys, clothing and dishes. They survive two to three weeks out of the body.
- Clean toilet seats daily.
- Countertops and similar surfaces must be regularly sanitized and disinfected.
- Clean and disinfect children's toys.
- Store toothbrushes in a separate cabinet. Rinse them with hot water before use.
Step 7. Don't scratch the anus
Although they cause intense and uncomfortable itching, do not scratch your anus so as not to contaminate your hands and fingers with pinworm eggs. The chance of transmitting the infection to other individuals is greatly increased.
- Scratching affected areas can cause eggs to lodge under your nails.
- Wear gloves at night to avoid scratching yourself while you sleep.
- Trim your nails well. Keep them short to lessen the chance of eggs getting caught under your nails, even if you accidentally scratch yourself.
Method 2 of 3: Trying Home Remedies to Exterminate Pinworms
Step 1. Add probiotics to the diet
Capsules and foods rich in probiotics – such as yogurt, curds and some cheeses – stimulate beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, creating an environment harmful to pinworms.
- Adding 1 cup (250 ml) of yogurt to the daily diet or taking two probiotic supplement capsules a day will increase the amount of microorganisms in the digestive system.
- Always follow label directions when purchasing and using probiotic supplements.
Step 2. Daily, drink apple cider vinegar with water
Mix two or three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water and drink the mixture every day. Some say that the acidic nature of the product makes the digestive system inhospitable to parasites.
Step 3. Consume more garlic
When you suspect that someone in the household is infected with pinworms, tell the person to eat foods with garlic, which is supposedly effective in fighting the parasite.
- Increase the amount of garlic seasoning used in foods.
- Take a garlic capsule two or three times a day while you are infected with pinworms to increase your consumption of the food. Take the capsules for a few weeks or until symptoms go away.
- Another option is to mix two crushed garlic cloves with a teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture once a day.
Step 4. Take Grape Juice Seed Extract
Another recommended home remedy in the treatment of pinworms is grape seed extract, available at most pharmacies or health food stores. Some say the substance is antiparasitic.
If you prefer to take capsules, consume them three times a day. If you choose the liquid form, it is recommended to pour 10 drops of the grape juice extract into a glass of water and drink the mixture three times a day
Step 5. Reduce your sugar intake
Eat less sugar or starchy products, as pinworms develop when the host consumes these ingredients.
Some people believe that pinworms starve to death when the contaminated one cuts off their sugar intake
Method 3 of 3: Treating Pinworm Infestation Using Medicines
Step 1. Buy an over-the-counter medicine to fight pinworms
Look for medication with pyrantel pamoate to be taken orally. It paralyzes the pinworms' nervous system, forcing them out of the body through the feces.
- Follow the instructions on the package insert to find out the frequency of consumption and the correct dose.
- This type of remedy should be avoided by pregnant or nursing women, as well as individuals with liver problems.
- Pyrantel pamoate may interact with other medications and supplements. Before taking any medication with this compound, ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use according to the situation.
Step 2. Ask the doctor to prescribe a medicine to fight parasites
People with extreme discomfort or pinworm infestations – moderate or severe – are usually treated with strong medications, sold only with a prescription. They will quickly exterminate adult pinworms.
- The most common antiparasitic drugs used to treat pinworms are albendazole and mebendazole. Both remedies prevent the parasites from absorbing sugar, which causes them to lose energy and die.
- These drugs can cause mild stomach irritations such as stomach pain and nausea.
- The most serious side effects are fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding and bruising, tiredness and shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms develop, stop using the medication and contact a doctor.
- Doctors may recommend that prescription pinworm drugs not be given to pregnant women or children under the age of two.
Step 3. Buy a cream to reduce itching
Ask your doctor if he has any recommendations for an ointment or cream to combat itching in the anus region. It can be sold over-the-counter or purchased only upon presentation of a medical prescription.
Although antiparasitic medication is enough to kill pinworms, it is normal to continue to feel itchy after starting treatment. It is uncomfortable and problematic, as the eggs may remain in the body even after the adult pinworms die. Do not scratch the area so as not to spread the eggs and make the situation worse
Step 4. Prepare to repeat the treatment
Sometimes, the doctor will recommend that the drug be taken again two weeks after the completion of the first treatment.
Pinworm symptoms may be reduced or begin to disappear within the first week of treatment, but the drugs only kill the adult parasites. The second treatment will exterminate all pinworms that were born and grew after the initial consumption of the drug
Step 5. Always maintain good hygiene
Although the medicines are effective, it is essential that you and your family always adopt good hygiene practices, reducing the chance of new infestations and transmission of pinworms. Follow the guidelines below to avoid further contamination and transmission of the parasite to others.
Tips
- Children often transmit pinworms because they don't understand the importance of good hygiene. It is essential to teach them to avoid contamination by these parasites and ensure that they follow the correct way of treatment.
- For greater effectiveness, try combining the methods described above and eliminating pinworms.
Notices
- Pinworms are highly contagious. It is very important to apply the treatment throughout the house to reduce the risk of transmission and re-contamination.
- Over-the-counter pinworm treatments may interact with other medications and supplements. Before taking them, ask a pharmacist or doctor if the medicine can be used in your case.
- Pregnant or nursing women should consult a doctor to find out the best way to treat a pinworm infection. It is dangerous to use over-the-counter medications without being aware of the side effects they may cause.