Pinworms spread when eggs are swallowed, hatch in the intestines, and mature in the large intestine. At night, female worms lay eggs around the anus, causing intense itching that often wakes children from sleep. Scratching spreads the eggs to fingers, nails, bedding, toys, and other surfaces, restarting the infection cycle. (cdc.gov ; medlineplus.gov)
Treatment usually includes doctor-recommended antiparasitic medicine, repeating the dose later to kill newly hatched worms, and often treating the whole household. Washing bedding, towels, and clothes in hot water also helps prevent reinfection. (my.clevelandclinic.org ; nationwidechildrens.org)
Prevention includes:
- frequent handwashing,
- short fingernails,
- daily bathing and clean underwear,
- and proper cleaning of shared spaces. (cdc.gov)
Diagnosis is often done with the “tape test,” which collects eggs from the skin around the anus. This information is educational only and does not replace medical advice.