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Let's take a look at OTC medications to treat pin worms.
Pharmacist

We will use an over-the-counter medication that is active against pinworms to kill them.

But, they lay eggs and these medications are not effective against the eggs, you will have to repeat the treatment in 2 weeks. 

You will take care of the itching using anti-itch creams or lotion available over the counter. 

It is also important to highlight measures to prevent reinfestation which is common.

With these in mind, see what is recommended below.

Boy with itchy buttock


Deworming

Pyrantel pamoate

This works by making the worms unable to move (paralyzed) so the body can remove them naturally in the stool.

It is given in a single dose initially, and then another single dose two weeks later to eliminate possible re-infection  from hatched eggs since the first dose of medication.

Should you decide to treat, you may have to treat the whole household to reduce reinfestation which is very common.

Brand name is Pin-X®

 

Stopping the itch

Hydrocortisone 1%

Apply this to the affected area up to 4 times a day.

 

Worth doing

  • Treat the whole household at the same time.
     
  • Pinworm lay their eggs at night, so have child shower and wash the anal area first thing in the morning.
     
  • Wash sheets, clothes, underwear and towels in a washing machine to  eliminate the eggs.
     
  • Encourage frequent hand washing and keep fingernails trimmed.
     
  • Discourage touching, scratching bare anal areas.
     
  • Discourage bitting the nails.
     
  • Wash toys.
     
  • Change underwear and bed linen daily to help remove eggs
     
  • Do not fan the bed sheets as this can cause the eggs to be airborne, inhaled and then swallowed.
     
  • Clean the toilet seats daily.
     
  • It is not necessary to take a laxative, but some people use this opportunity to have the whole family take a laxative to clean the digestive system.

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 02/17/2016

 

 

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.
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Our disclaimer

  • Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
  • Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
  • The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
    "If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
    It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
  • The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
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