Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the United States. It is highly contagious and spreads quickly from person to person through ingestion or inhalation of the eggs.
Pinworm infections occur when a female pinworm lays eggs in the folds of skin around the anus. This causes intense itching, particularly at nighttime.
When the infected person scratches the anal area, eggs can get on the fingers and under the fingernails and contaminate items such as bedding and clothing. People living in the same household as the infected person may come into contact with the eggs and also get an infection.
It is possible to have a pinworm infection with no symptoms at all, so it is essential that all members of the household receive treatment.
Home remedies for pinworms
Some people may be interested in natural home remedies to get rid of pinworms.
While there are some popular home remedies for pinworms, there is little scientific evidence to support their use.
People who believe that they have a pinworm infection should seek medical attention first. They can then use the home remedies below as complementary treatments.
Raw carrots are rich in fiber, which can help keep the digestive system healthy and promote regular bowel movements.
Researchers do not know whether carrots fight against pinworms directly, but they may help push the pinworms out of the intestines.
Unless a person has an allergy to carrots, eating them raw is a safe home remedy. It is best to wash carrots first to eliminate bacteria and pesticides.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin. Very early studies suggested that this compound might make pumpkin seeds effective against internal parasites. In fact, the United States Pharmacopoeia listed pumpkin seeds as a treatment for intestinal parasites in the years 1863–1936.
It is possible to eat pumpkin seeds or blend them with water to form a paste to eat. However, there is no recent evidence to suggest that pumpkin seeds can help get rid of pinworms.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has a range of different household and health uses. It is a popular home remedy for pinworms, as many people believe that applying the oil around the anal area can prevent the female from laying eggs there.
Some people also ingest a teaspoon of pure coconut oil each morning. As long as people are not allergic to the oil, it is safe for them to try this. However, there is no scientific evidence that coconut oil is an effective remedy for pinworms.
The standard medical treatment for pinworm infections is medication, but people must also remove all traces of the worms from the household by cleaning and adopting good hygiene practices.
As pinworms pass easily from one person to another, doctors recommend that everyone in the household receives treatment to help prevent reinfection.
The most common and effective prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pinworm infections include:
- mebendazole (Vermox)
- albendazole (Albenza)
- pyrantel pamoate (Reese’s Pinworm Medicine)
A typical course of medication will consist of an initial dose and then a second dose a couple of weeks later.
It is also essential to keep the house clean and practice good hygiene during treatment. Hygiene practices and household cleaning strategies should include:
- washing all bed linen, pajamas, and towels in hot water
- vacuuming carpets and mopping floors frequently
- washing the hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating
- cleaning all surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly on a daily basis
- keeping fingernails clean and short and not biting them
- bathing daily
- changing underwear every day
- not sharing towels and washcloths
- not shaking items that may contain pinworm eggs, such as bed linens, clothing, and towels
Outlook
Pinworm infections do not usually cause severe complications, but they can disrupt sleep and reduce a person’s quality of life.
Some people may wish to try using home remedies for pinworms. However, if symptoms persist, it is best to see a doctor to obtain the proper treatment and eradicate the infection.
Pinworm infections are straightforward to treat with medication and good hygiene practices.
It is essential to treat everyone in the household to prevent reinfection from pinworm eggs.
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