Overview
Diagnosis
A pinworm infection can usually be diagnosed by your healthcare professional through an examination of the anal area and sometimes underwear to look for worms. For small children, you may be instructed to check these areas at night, about 2 to 3 hours after your child goes to sleep.
Another common method is the tape test, which can be done at home. Use see-through cellophane tape and press the sticky side to the skin around the anus after waking up and before bathing or using the toilet. Eggs, if present, stick to the tape. Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions on the type of tape to use and how to store it.
For the best results, repeat the tape test for three consecutive days and bring the tape to your healthcare appointment. Your professional can examine the tape under a microscope for pinworm eggs.
Healthcare professionals may also collect samples from under fingernails to check for eggs in a laboratory.
Treatment
Treatment for pinworm infection involves taking anti-parasite medication to kill the worms. Your healthcare professional may recommend that all household members take the medicine.
Over-the-counter options include pyrantel pamoate, which is preferred for pregnant people and children under 2 years old. Prescription medicines commonly used include:
• Mebendazole (Emverm)
• Albendazole
A second dose of medicine is taken two weeks after the first to eliminate any worms that hatched from eggs after the initial treatment.
Along with medication, wash all bedding and clothing to prevent reinfection. Mild digestive side effects may occur during treatment.
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