Pinworm infections, also known as enterobiasis, are very common, especially among children. The pinworm parasite affects the intestines and lays eggs around the anus which leads to itching. Proper disinfection of the home is necessary to get rid of pinworms and prevent reinfection.
What are pinworms?
Pinworms, or Enterobius vermicularis, are small parasitic worms that infect the intestines. The female pinworms lay eggs around the anus and this leads to intense itching. The eggs get transferred to surfaces, bedding, clothing etc. when people scratch. When these contaminated articles are touched, the eggs stick to the fingers and get swallowed accidentally. Inside the intestines, the eggs hatch into larvae and grow into adult worms, thus repeating the cycle of infection.
Signs and symptoms
The most common sign of a pinworm infection is intense itching around the anus. This is caused by the female pinworms coming out at night to lay eggs. Other symptoms include:
- Restlessness and trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
As pinworms migrate out of the intestines, other symptoms like cough and sore throat can occur.
Diagnosis
Pinworms can be diagnosed by the doctor simply based on the presence of intense anal itching and evidence of pinworm eggs around the anus. The eggs are small, flat and have a thin shell. Often a piece of transparent tape may be pressed against the anal area and examined under a microscope for eggs.
Treatment
Medication is prescribed to get rid of pinworm infections. The common anti-parasitic drugs used include:
- Mebendazole
- Albendazole
- Pyrantel pamoate
The medication has to be taken by all members of the household at the same time to prevent reinfection. Treatment may need to be repeated after 2-3 weeks. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams can provide relief from itching.
How do pinworms spread in a home?
Pinworms spread easily among family members in a home due to their highly contagious nature. The life cycle allows the worms to spread through human-to-human transmission.
Life cycle
The life cycle starts with the adult female worm laying microscopic eggs around the anus. This happens at night when the worms migrate out of the anus. The eggs get lodged under the fingernails when people scratch the anal area. The eggs then get ingested when people touch their mouth with contaminated fingers. Inside the intestine, the larvae hatch out and mature into adults in about 2-6 weeks. The adult female worm now starts to release eggs, thus continuing the cycle.
Transmission
Pinworm eggs can survive for up to 3 weeks on surfaces, clothing and bedding. When these contaminated items are touched, eggs stick onto the hands and fingers. From here, the eggs are accidentally ingested through the mouth. This fecal-oral transmission route efficiently spreads the infection among family members and caretakers. Other routes include inhalation of eggs dispersed in air or consumption of contaminated food and water.
How to disinfect your home after pinworms
Proper disinfection measures are required to get rid of lingering pinworm eggs in the home environment after treatment. This helps prevent reinfection and break the cycle of transmission. The main steps include:
Launder all clothing, bedding and soft toys
Wash all clothing, bed sheets, pillowcases, towels and stuffed toys used by the infected person in hot water. Use high heat drying and ironing to disinfect. This kills any eggs present.
Use vacuum cleaners carefully
Use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters when cleaning carpets and soft furnishings to prevent dispersion of eggs into the air. Disinfect canisters after use.
Disinfect all surfaces
Wipe down all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen with disinfectant solutions. Pay special attention to surfaces like:
- Countertops
- Doorknobs and handles
- Toilets, potty chairs
- Bathtubs, showers
- Sinks and faucets
Use disinfectants like chlorine bleach, pine oil solutions, or concentrated vinegar.
Clean floors
Mop hard floors with disinfectant daily. Disinfectant wipes can be used on smaller areas. Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly using HEPA filter equipped vacuum cleaners.
Disinfect combs, brushes
Soak combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes etc. in hot water mixed with chlorine bleach or pine oil solution for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and air dry. Replace toothbrushes after pinworm infection.
Wash towels, bedding frequently
Wash bath towels, hand towels, bed sheets and pillowcases used by infected people separately in hot water. Change and replace bedding frequently until infection clears.
Avoid sharing clothes and linen
Do not share clothes, towels and bedding until everyone in the household has completed pinworms treatment. This prevents reinfection.
Keep fingernails short and clean
Encourage good hygiene practices in children like keeping fingernails short and clean to minimize disease transmission.
Disinfect tabletops and food surfaces
Use proper disinfecting methods for tables and other surfaces where food is prepared, stored or consumed. This prevents oral ingestion of eggs.
Best disinfectants for pinworms
Some common agents used for disinfection against pinworms include:
| Disinfectant | Concentration |
|---|---|
| Bleach solution | Mix 1 cup bleach in 1 gallon water |
| Pine oil solutions | Use as per product instructions |
| Vinegar | Use concentrated white vinegar |
| Hydrogen peroxide | 3% solution |
| Isopropyl alcohol | 70% solution |
| Lysol or Clorox disinfectant cleaners | As per product labels |
Steps for bleach disinfection
- Prepare a 1:10 bleach solution by adding 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Use regular unscented bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient.
- Rinse surfaces with water first to remove dirt.
- Wipe down surfaces with the bleach solution. Ensure surfaces stay wet with solution for at least 5 minutes before drying.
- Rinse surfaces with water after disinfection to remove bleach residue.
- Prepare bleach solutions fresh before use.
The bleach solution is effective in killing pinworm eggs and inexpensive to use at home. Take care to avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Allow proper ventilation while disinfecting.
How to clean different household items and surfaces
Bathroom surfaces
Scrub toilet bowls, seats, potty chairs, sinks and tubs using a bleach or pine oil solution. Allow surfaces to remain wet for 5-10 minutes before rinsing clean. Wipe down faucets, handles and bathroom floors with disinfectant.
Kitchen and dining surfaces
Wash countertops, sinks, faucets and kitchen table tops with diluted bleach solution. Use hot soapy water followed by disinfectant. Pay attention to food contact areas.
Bedding and soft toys
Machine wash all bedding and plush toys in hot water cycle followed by high heat drying. Alternatively soak in diluted bleach solution before laundering. Replace pillows if they cannot be disinfected.
Furniture and other surfaces
Wipe down furniture such as chairs, dressers, nightstands in the bedroom with disinfectants. Mop and vacuum floors thoroughly. Disinfect door knobs, toy boxes and other high touch areas.
Electronics items
Disinfect keyboards, tablets and other electronics with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Use disinfectant wipes made for electronics. Unplug before cleaning. Avoid moisture contact with battery areas.
How long does pinworm disinfection take?
Cleaning and disinfection of the home after pinworm infection takes time. It may take 1-2 weeks to thoroughly complete the process.
Week 1
– Wash all clothing, bedding and soft toys
– Vacuum and mop floors with disinfectant
– Clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces
– Soak combs, brushes in disinfectant solution
– Disinfect high touch areas like doorknobs, handles, electronics etc.
Week 2
– Repeat washing of all clothing and bedding
– Steam clean carpets and upholstery
– Repeat disinfection of all household surfaces
– Soak toys in disinfectant, discard stuffing
– Clean behind and under furniture
Proper disinfection after pinworms reduces reinfection risk. Hygiene education for children is also essential. Retreatment may be needed in some cases if reinfection occurs.
Conclusion
Pinworm infection requires thorough disinfection of the home environment along with medical treatment. All clothing, bedding, toys and household surfaces must be properly cleaned. Use hot water, heat drying, vacuum cleaners and disinfectants like diluted bleach solution or pine oil to kill lingering pinworm eggs. Repeat disinfection weekly for 2 weeks. Maintain good hygiene practices to avoid reinfection. This comprehensive cleaning approach helps create a pinworm-free home and prevent disease transmission among other family members.