Confirm symptoms with a clinician if possible (especially if unsure about pinworms)
Treat everyone in the household at the same time (even if asymptomatic)
Use an OTC pinworm medicine as directed:
Pyrantel pamoate (follow label dosing and repeat timing)
Or mebendazole (follow label dosing and repeat timing)
Or albendazole (follow label dosing and repeat timing)
Repeat the dose exactly as directed (commonly 2 weeks later) to kill newly hatched worms
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating
Keep fingernails short and avoid nail-biting and scratching
Change underwear daily and wear snug underwear to reduce spread
Shower in the morning to remove eggs laid overnight
Wash all bedding, towels, and recently worn clothing used in the last few days in hot water and dry on high heat
Clean high-touch surfaces and floors regularly (especially bathroom and bedroom areas)
Avoid shaking contaminated laundry or bedding
Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly
Treat again if symptoms persist or recur after completing the repeat dose
Contact a clinician promptly if pregnant, breastfeeding, a child is very young, there are severe symptoms, or there’s no improvement after treatment