Pinworms in Children: Symptoms, Treatment, and Preventing Spread
An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP
Sources checked: August 13, 2026 | Medical review completed: August 13, 2026
This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.
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Pinworms are small, thin, white worms that commonly affect children. The usual symptom is itching around the anus, often worse at night or early in the morning. They are unpleasant but are usually not dangerous and can be treated.
When to Seek Care
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Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, fainting, a seizure, or a child who is limp or unresponsive.
A child who looks very ill, is difficult to wake, or has another life-threatening emergency.
Contact your child's healthcare professional today
A pinworm is seen, or itching around the anus or vagina is strongly suggestive of pinworms. A clinician can help confirm the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Red, painful, swollen, bleeding, or draining skin around the anus or vagina; fever; significant abdominal pain; or persistent vomiting.
A child younger than 2 years, a pregnant household member, or a breastfeeding household member may need individualized medication guidance.
Itching, sleep disruption, or symptoms continue after treatment, return repeatedly, or the diagnosis is uncertain.
What Families May Notice
The main symptom is itching or irritation around the anus, often at night when female pinworms lay eggs on the nearby skin. Some children have restless sleep, irritability, or no symptoms at all. In girls, pinworms can sometimes cause itching around the vagina or vaginal discharge.
A moving, thin, white, threadlike worm may be seen near the anus at night or early in the morning. Many other conditions can cause an itchy bottom, including irritation from stool, soaps, skin conditions, or other infections. Do not assume every itchy bottom is pinworms.
How Pinworms Spread
Pinworm eggs spread when they get onto hands and are then swallowed. Eggs can also reach bedding, towels, clothing, toys, bathroom surfaces, and other shared items. Pinworms are common in young children and can spread among household members and close contacts. Pets do not carry human pinworms.
Testing and Treatment
A clinician may diagnose pinworms based on the symptoms, seeing a worm, or a tape test that collects eggs from the skin around the anus. If a tape test is needed, ask the clinician for the collection instructions. It is often done in the morning before bathing or using the toilet.
Treatment may include an over-the-counter or prescription medicine. It is commonly given as two doses separated by two weeks because the medicines kill worms but not eggs. Do not use a medicine or a dose based only on a website. Ask a clinician or pharmacist which product is appropriate for your child and whether household members and caregivers should be treated at the same time.
Reduce Spread and Repeat Infection
Wash hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet or changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
Keep fingernails short and clean. Discourage nail biting, thumb sucking, and scratching around the anus.
Bathe or shower each morning and put on clean underwear. Do not share washcloths or towels.
Wash underwear, pajamas, towels, washcloths, and bedding often in hot water, then dry them on high heat. Avoid shaking laundry.
Continue careful handwashing and household hygiene for two weeks after the last treatment dose. Repeat infections are common.
Child Care and School
A child who feels well generally does not need to stay home from school or child care solely because of pinworms. Follow the rules of the individual program and focus on treatment and careful hygiene.
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Sources and Medical Review
Sources checked August 13, 2026. Medical review completed August 13, 2026.