LIFESTYLE NEWS - Most pinworm infections can be treated effectively with oral medication. Since pinworms can be passed so easily from one person to another, everyone living in the household of an infected person is usually treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.
Care-givers and others who have close, personal contact with the individual are also treated.
- Mebendazole
- Albendazole
- Pyrantel pamoate
One course of medication usually involves an initial dose, followed by a second dose two to three weeks later. More than one course may be necessary to fully eliminate the pinworm eggs. Creams or ointments can be used to soothe itching skin in the area around the anus.
In addition to medication, a specific regimen of hygiene and household cleaning can help you completely eliminate the pinworm eggs:
- Ensure that the infected person and other household members practice thorough hand washing with warm water and soap, especially before eating.
- Encourage everyone in the household to shower and change their underwear every morning.
- Clean everyone's fingernails and cut them short.
- Instruct the infected person and others to stop biting their nails.
- Tell the infected person to refrain from scratching the anal area.
- Use hot water to launder all bedding,
- towels, washcloths and clothing in the affected house. Dry these items using high heat.
- Avoid shaking clothing and bedding to keep pinworm eggs from spreading into the air.
- Do not allow children to bathe together to prevent spreading pinworm eggs in the bath water.
- Thoroughly clean any surfaces that may be infected, including toys, floors, countertops and toilet seats.
- Carefully vacuum all carpeted areas.
- Keep rooms well lit during the day because the eggs are sensitive to sunlight.
- Humans are the only pinworm hosts.
- Your cat or dog is unable to infect you or be infected with pinworms, so it is not necessary to treat your pets for the infection.
The best way to prevent pinworm infections and reinfections is to follow recommended hygiene routines and encourage other household members, especially children, to do the same.
*This article is for informative purposes only. Should you have any queries please contact questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein-Karoo, Hessequa news'
