Health Tip: Preventing Pinworms

The infections are common in young children

July 23, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Pinworms are tiny white worms that can be passed from child to child, enter the intestines, and cause an itchy bottom.

Pinworms and their eggs may be identified by inspecting the anus or bowel movements. An infection usually is easy to treat with medication.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers the following suggestions to help prevent pinworm infection:

Always have your child wash hands before eating, and after going to the restroom.
Trim your child's fingernails frequently.
Don't allow your child to bite his or her fingernails.
Have your child put on a fresh pair of underwear each day.
Bathe your child in the morning instead of at night, which will help prevent the spread of eggs laid during the night.
Since pinworm eggs react negatively to sunlight, open curtains in your child's room each day.
After your child has been treated for pinworms, put your child in clean underwear, sleepwear and bed linens.