How can you tell if you have pinworms with tape?
Take the tape to a doctor, who will put it under a microscope to look for pinworm eggs. The doctor may ask the person to use several pieces of tape to increase the likelihood of seeing the eggs. A single specimen will detect approximately 50% of cases; 90% of cases will be detected if the test is repeated three times.
How to treat pinworm infection in children and adults?
How to Treat Pinworm Infection in Children and Adults? albendazole ( Albenza) is the most common treatment for pinworms. Treatment is a single tablet, which kills the worms. There are different strengths for adults and children younger than two years of age.
Do you have to test for pinworms before taking medication?
The doctor may decide based upon the patient’s symptoms that pinworms are present and may treat with medication without doing any tests. If one person in a household has pinworms and other people in the household have the same symptoms, it is not necessary to test everyone before treating.
How long do you have to take mebendazole for pinworm?
There are different strengths for adults and children younger than two years of age. Because eggs can survive for a few weeks, the patient will have to take a second dose two weeks later to lessen the chance of reinfection. mebendazole ( Vermox) also works. It is also taken in a single dose and repeated two weeks later.
Do you have to use tape to test for pinworms?
The pinworm eggs will stick to the tape. You’ll need to repeat this test 3 days in a row, then take all the pieces of tape to your doctor. They’ll look at them under a microscope to check for the eggs. You’ll need to take medications that kill the worms.
How long can a pinworm infection last on a finger?
Contaminated fingers can then carry pinworm eggs to the mouth, where they go back into the body, or stay on various surfaces, where they can live for 2 to 3 weeks. If you’re wondering if your family pet could give your child a pinworm infection, it can’t.
How old do you have to be to get pinworms?
Anyone can get a pinworm infection. It’s the most common kind of worm infection in the United States. But it’s more likely if: You’re between the ages of 5-10.
What to do if your child has a pinworm infection?
You suck your thumb or bite your nails. You don’t wash your hands. If you, your child, or someone in your household has symptoms of pinworm infection, call the doctor and ask about the tape test. Simply take a clear piece of tape and press the sticky side to the skin around the anus.