Pinworms

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you get rid of pinworms?

  Pinworms are treated with an oral antiparasitic medication — typically mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate — which kills the adult worms. Because the medication does not affect eggs or immature larvae, a second dose is usually recommended two weeks after the first. To prevent reinfection, all household members should be treated at the same time, and bedding, pajamas, and underwear should be washed in hot water. A Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms and write prescription treatment, if appropriate.

• What do pinworms look like?

  Pinworms are small, white, thread-like worms. Female pinworms are about 8–13 mm long — roughly the size of a staple — while males are smaller at around 2–5 mm. They can sometimes be spotted near the anal area at night, when females emerge to lay their eggs.

• What are pinworms?

  Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), also called threadworms, are tiny parasitic worms that infect the human intestinal tract. They are the most common intestinal parasite in Canada, particularly in school-age children. The primary symptom is intense itching around the anus, especially at night when the female worms migrate to lay their eggs.

• How do you get rid of pinworms overnight?

  There is no medically proven way to eliminate a pinworm infection overnight. Antiparasitic medication kills the adult worms within a few days, but eggs can remain viable for up to two weeks, requiring a follow-up dose. To relieve nighttime itching in the meantime, showering in the morning (rather than bathing at night), wearing snug-fitting underwear, and keeping fingernails short can help limit the spread of eggs. A Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms and write prescription treatment, if appropriate.

• How do you get pinworms?

  Pinworms spread through accidental ingestion of microscopic eggs. When an infected person scratches the anal area, eggs collect under the fingernails and can be transferred to surfaces, food, or other people through hand-to-mouth contact. Eggs can survive on household surfaces such as bedding, towels, and toilet seats for up to two to three weeks, making pinworms highly contagious in shared living environments.

• Can pinworms kill you?

  No — pinworms are not dangerous and do not cause serious illness in otherwise healthy individuals. The infection is uncomfortable but harmless beyond the itching and sleep disturbance it causes. In very rare cases, a heavy infestation may lead to complications such as a urinary tract infection or appendicitis, but these outcomes are extremely uncommon. Treatment with an antiparasitic medication reliably clears the infection.

• Are pinworms contagious?

  Yes, pinworms are highly contagious. The eggs spread easily through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth. Because eggs are invisible to the naked eye, they can spread quickly through households, classrooms, and daycare settings. Treating all household members simultaneously — even those without symptoms — is the most effective way to stop the spread.

• How do you check for pinworms?

  The most reliable method is the “tape test.” First thing in the morning — before bathing or using the toilet — press a piece of clear adhesive tape firmly against the skin around the anus, then seal it in a plastic bag. A healthcare provider or laboratory can examine the tape under a microscope to look for eggs. Alternatively, check the anal area with a flashlight 2–3 hours after the person falls asleep; adult worms may be visible at that time.

• Can adults get pinworms?

  Yes, adults can get pinworms, although children between the ages of 5 and 10 are most commonly affected. Adults in households with infected children are at elevated risk because the eggs spread so readily through shared spaces. Symptoms and treatment are the same for adults as for children, and all household members should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

• Can a Rexall Pharmacist help with pinworms?

  A Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms, confirm whether pinworms are the likely cause, and in most provinces can write prescription antiparasitic treatment, if appropriate. They can also advise on hygiene measures to prevent reinfection for the whole family and follow up if symptoms persist. Book Consultation at your nearest Rexall today.