When the host is asleep, the female worms come out through the anus and lay their eggs. Sometimes the worms cause itching in the anal area. The child scratches, the eggs get on his or her fingers and then are spread to objects, people, clothing, linens, etc., where they may live for up to three weeks. People may get infected when they unknowingly get the eggs on their hands and transfer them to their mouths. Many doctors don t recommend treating pinworms at all, because they rarely cause any problems besides itching.
Treatment usually involves two to three doses of medicine over a period of four to six weeks.
The entire family is treated. Any infected areas, objects and clothing must be cleaned and the family must learn the appropriate hygiene to prevent re-infection. The risks of the worms harming the fetus are likely smaller than the risks of treatment. This means it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Another medicine, pyrantel pamoate, is probably a preferable treatment.