Parents often have extreme reactions when they think their child may have pinworms. Pinworms can be spread by touching a surface that is contaminated with microscopic pinworm eggs (where they can live for 2 weeks) and then accidentally putting your fingers in your mouth, or from another person who has pinworms. Pinworms do not come from pets, just from other people.
Children do not get pinworms because they are dirty; they can get pinworms no matter how often they take a bath. Treatment for pinworms is now only available with over-the-counter medicines. Prescription medications traditionally used to treat pinworms have been taken off the market. If you think your child has pinworms, we recommend using Pyrantel Pamoate which is based on your child’s weight and washing bed clothing/sheets to prevent reinfection.