Pinworms: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pinworms?
Pinworms are usually diagnosed and treated by a primary care doctor, or by a pediatrician, a doctor for children, when a child is infected. An infectious disease doctor, a specialist in infections, can also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are pinworms?
Pinworms are small worms that infect the intestines. They are small parasites that can live in the colon and rectum. Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the United States. The worms are one-fourth to one-half inches long.
The infection is more common in children. School-age children are most often affected. Other names for pinworm infection are enterobiasis, threadworm, and seatworm.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms at all. Some people feel itching around the anus or vagina. The itching may become intense, interfere with sleep, and make you irritable. Symptoms of pinworm infection can include:
- Difficulty sleeping because of itching at night
- Intense itching around the anus
- Irritability from the itching and interrupted sleep
- Irritated or infected skin around the anus from constant scratching
- Irritation or discomfort of the vagina in young girls, if an adult worm enters the vagina rather than the anus
- Loss of appetite and weight, which is uncommon but can occur in severe infections
Causes and who gets it
You get pinworms when you swallow their eggs. The eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the worms mature in the colon. While you sleep, the female worms leave the intestines through the anus and lay eggs on nearby skin.
Pinworms spread easily. When a child scratches the anal area, the eggs can get under the child's fingernails. These eggs can be passed to other children, family members, and items in the house. People can also spread the eggs through contaminated clothing, bedding, food, or other articles. The eggs can live on household surfaces for up to 2 weeks. Children are usually infected by touching pinworm eggs without knowing it and then putting their fingers in their mouth.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider can diagnose pinworm infection by finding the eggs. A common way to collect the eggs is with a sticky piece of clear tape. This tape test is done in the morning before bathing or using the toilet, because bathing and wiping may remove eggs. The provider sticks the tape to a slide and looks for eggs with a microscope. Pinworms can sometimes be seen in the anal area, mainly at night when the worms lay their eggs.
Treatment
Mild infections may not need treatment. If you do need medicine, everyone in the household should take it. Anti-worm medicines kill the pinworms, but not their eggs. Your provider will likely recommend one dose of medicine that is available over-the-counter and by prescription. Another dose is usually repeated after 2 weeks, which treats worms that hatched since the first treatment. More than one household member is likely to be infected, so the entire household is often treated.
To control the eggs:
- Clean toilet seats daily.
- Keep fingernails short and clean.
- Wash all bed linens twice a week.
- Wash hands before meals and after using the toilet.
- Bathe after waking up.
- Change your underwear every day.
- Avoid nail biting.
Avoid scratching the infected area around the anus, because it can contaminate your fingers and everything else you touch. Keep your hands and fingers away from your nose and mouth unless they are freshly washed. Pinworm infection is fully treatable with anti-worm medicine.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider for an appointment if you or your child has symptoms of pinworm infection. You should also contact your provider if you have seen pinworms on your child. Constant scratching can leave the skin around the anus irritated or infected.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can review symptoms and talk about treatment for the whole household.
Common questions
Can pinworms be cured?
Yes, pinworm infection is fully treatable with anti-worm medicine. Mild infections may not need treatment.
Do pinworms spread to other people?
Yes, pinworms spread easily. People can spread the eggs through their hands, or through contaminated clothing, bedding, food, or other articles.
How do doctors test for pinworms?
Doctors usually look for the eggs, often with a tape test. The test is done in the morning before bathing or using the toilet.
Does everyone in the family need treatment?
If medicine is needed, yes, everyone in the household should take it. More than one household member is likely to be infected.
Who gets pinworms?
Pinworm infection is more common in children. School-age children are most often affected.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
