What is pinworm?
Pinworms are tiny white worms that infect the intestines and lay eggs around the anus, causing intense nighttime itching. Most common in school-age children but anyone can get them.
Treatment is simple — single dose, repeated in 2 weeks. Whole household is usually treated to break the cycle.
Do I have pinworm? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Pinworm eggs ingested from contaminated surfaces, hands, or items. Worms mature in intestine, females migrate to anus at night to lay eggs, causing itching. Scratching transfers eggs to fingers, surfaces, food — cycle continues.
Is it contagious?
Yes — through eggs on hands, surfaces, bedding, food.
The classic clue is night-time anal itching — pinworms come out to lay eggs while you're sleeping.
Can it be treated online?
Pinworm is well-suited to telehealth — diagnosis is clinical based on symptoms. Severe cases, immunocompromise, or unusual presentations may need in-person care.
How pinworm is treated
Albendazole 400mg single dose, repeated in 2 weeks. Pyrantel pamoate (Reese's Pinworm Medicine, OTC) alternative. Treat all household members. Wash bedding, underwear, towels in hot water after each dose.
Self-care while you wait
- Treat whole household same day
- Wash bedding, underwear, pajamas in hot water
- Clean toilets, surfaces
- Frequent hand washing, especially after bathroom and before meals
- Cut fingernails short and clean
- Discourage thumb-sucking and nail-biting
- Shower daily in morning (removes eggs laid overnight)
- Repeat treatment in 2 weeks
How long does it last?
Treated cases resolve within days. Re-treatment in 2 weeks prevents recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
How did my kid get it?
Pinworm eggs are everywhere — schools, playgrounds. Even hygienic kids get exposed. Not a hygiene failure.
Will it spread to my pets?
No — pinworms are human-specific. Pets have different worms.
Should everyone be treated?
Yes — household members likely all exposed. Treating only the affected child often leads to re-infection.
Will the worms cause any other problems?
Usually not. Heavy infestation can cause appendicitis, vaginal issues, or weight loss rarely.
Can I see them?
Often yes — tiny white threads (1cm long) around anus at night or on stool. Use flashlight at night.
