Pinworms and threadworms
Pinworms are tiny, thread-like worms that infect the intestine. They’re extremely common, especially in young children, and usually harmless. The most noticeable symptom is an itchy bottom, often worse at night when the female worms lay their eggs around the anus — which can disturb sleep and cause irritability. Many people have no symptoms at all. Pinworms spread very easily, so if one person in a household has them, others often do too — which means treating the whole household and a thorough cleaning routine.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Pinworm treatments (pyrantel pamoate is available over the counter)
- Gentle cleansers for morning showers and hand-washing
- Hand sanitizer to support frequent hand hygiene
- Key hygiene steps for the whole household: keep fingernails short and clean, wash hands well after the toilet and before eating, shower each morning, wash underwear/sleepwear/towels/bedding in hot water, don’t shake bedding before washing, and discourage nail-biting and thumb-sucking. Most treatments need a second dose after about 2 weeks.
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Anthelmintics (anti-worm medications): Mebendazole, Pyrantel pamoate
When to seek further care: See a health-care provider if symptoms persist after two properly spaced treatment courses, you see worms in the stool of a very young infant, you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (medication choice needs review), or there’s significant abdominal pain, weight loss, or other unusual symptoms.