What happens if you don't treat pinworms?

Answer 1

Pinworms are a type of parasite that lives in the digestive system of humans. They are common throughout the world, especially in school-age children.

Pinworms do not usually cause any symptoms beyond minor itching around the anus.

Complications from pinworms are rare. The most frequent complications are bacterial infection around the anus or of the skin in the genital area. This is usually because of skin irritation or scratches from itching in these areas.

Although pinworm infections are usually mild and do not cause any serious health problems, treatment should be considered because it helps stop the spread of the infection to others and helps prevent reinfection.

Answer 2

Pinworm infection is fully treatable. However, the risk of reinfection can be extremely high in the absence of practising sound hygiene. Reinfection can be self-caused and can increase dramatically if the home environment and residents are not treated at the same time.

Mebendazole or Albendazole can be purchased over the counter, or in higher doses by prescription. Taking the first series will successfully kill the live pinworms. However, it will not kill any eggs. It will be necessary to take a second dose ten-fourteen days later to kill the pinworms that have hatched from the remaining eggs.

To eradicate them entirely it is essential to practice good hygiene:

Wash your hands often, especially after using the toilet, even when urinating. To reduce cross-contamination, ensure you disinfect your bathroom daily- toilet seats, toilet handle, doorknobs, sink taps and faucet. It's imperative that you wash all your bed linens and bath towels in the hottest possible water. The same applies to your underwear - never wear a pair more than twelve hours.

Part of good hygiene includes keeping your fingernails clipped short and clean, especially under the nails. Disinfect nail clippers and other utensils in your bathroom.

If you live with others, especially children, eliminating pinworms will be very difficult, if not impossible, if the entire family is not treated concurrently. Special attention should be paid towards children to ensure their hands are disinfected at all times. During the disinfection period, carry a small bottle or packet of hand sanitisers and use them as well as enforcing that your family use them. Their linens should also be washed in the hottest possible water.

Should your bathroom contain any reading materials, dispose of them and do not replace. These are prime places to harbour contaminants, eggs, and cultures. Also, dispose of your existing toothbrushes and replace with brushes you can keep separate from other brushes. Do not leave tooth brushes exposed in bathrooms. Airborne contaminants can easily infect brushes, shower heads, etc.

Pinworms are treatable. It may take more than one attempt due to household reinfection. However, once everyone is on the same page, success will be achieved.