Pinworm, Threadworm, Seatworm Infection

Pinworm / Threadworm – The Facts

  • Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as the pinworm, is also known as the threadworm in regions such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, or the seatworm. This parasitic nematode, a type of roundworm, is a prevalent intestinal helminth that particularly affects humans.
  • Young children and their household members, including adults, are at risk for pinworm infections.
  • Pinworms are visible. They are white and range in size from 2 to 13 mm. They resemble worms. However, the pinworm eggs are small and transparent and can be seen only with a microscope.
  • Pinworm infections are spread person-to-person by ingesting pinworm eggs with contaminated fingers, bedding, clothing, or other items.
  • The primary signs and symptoms of pinworm infection are discomfort and itching in the anal/rectal area. Children especially will scratch the rectal/anal area, get eggs on their fingers or underneath their fingernails and transport the infective eggs to bedding, toys, other humans, or back to themselves.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

  • Discomfort in the anal and/or vaginal area
  • Rash or skin irritation around the anus or vagina
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping and/or restlessness due to irritation of the skin
  • Pinworms can often be seen on the anal skin or in the stools, sometimes detected in the vagina, and may produce some vaginal discharge.
  • Some infected individuals may have abdominal pain.
  • Some infected individuals can get secondary bacterial infections from intense skin scratching.
  • Pinworm eggs hatch into larval forms in the small intestine and then progress to the large intestine, where they mature mate, and progress to the rectal/anal area, where females deposit about 10 to 15 thousand eggs.
  • Diagnosis may be made by a “tape test” and/or by visualizing pinworms in the stools or on the skin near the anus or in the vagina.
  • Most primary care or pediatric doctors can diagnose and treat patients with pinworms.
  • Several drugs  (mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole) may cure a pinworm patient when administered over time.
  • Natural and/or home remedies are available, but patients should check with their doctor before using them.

What are pinworms

Pinworm infection is an infection of the large intestine and anal area by a small, white parasite that resembles a “worm.” The medical name for the parasite is Enterobius vermicularis, but it is commonly termed a pinworm in both the lay and medical literature. These parasites are also termed seatworms or threadworms, and the infections are medically termed enterobiasis or helminthiasis. Pinworms and other parasitic worms (which, as a group, are termed helminths) feed off of the host animal by absorbing nutrients from the host animal. Pinworm infections are the most common helminth infection that occurs in the US. Pinworms only infect humans. Dogs, cats, or other animals cannot become infected.

Who gets pinworms?

Pinworm is the most common parasitic worm infection in the United States, and most pinworm infections worldwide occur in children in temperate climates.

Pinworms in children

School-age children have the highest rates of pinworm infection, followed by preschoolers. Institutional settings, including daycare facilities, often harbor multiple individuals (adults and children) with pinworm infections. Sometimes, nearly half of the children may be infected in a daycare facility.

Pinworms in adults

Pinworm infection often occurs in more than one family member. Adults are less likely to have pinworm infection, except mothers of infected children. However, adult sexual partners can transfer the eggs to each other. Pinworms may also infect the vagina and urethra.

Seven-Part, Comprehensive Protocol For Handling Resistant or Stubborn Pinworm / Threadworm Infection

This is a seven-part approach I have put together based on my 36+ years of research and clinical practice. That said, everyone is different and is exposed to individual epigenetic factors. These individual epigenetic factors can make many easy-to-treat issues more challenging. Even the most stubborn cases should be resolved with the following resources. Stress reduction techniques are also beneficial when treating chronic, stubborn body problems. Here are some resources that will help: Dan Brule (breathing), Doc Parsley (sleep), Bruce Lipton, Ph.D. (How your beliefs affect your biology), and Gratitude

*Disclaimer: The data contained in this post is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as a treatment protocol or recommendation. The author makes no warranties or claims. None of the data below has been approved by the FDA. The data below is not meant to treat, mitigate, or diagnose any disease or symptoms. None of the herbal or natural ingredients below have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any medical condition, including parasites, and products that purport to be bentonite clay and DE are not regulated for safety, purity or effectiveness. Please consult with a physician before starting any nutritional protocol. Lastly, this post is informational and should not be construed as giving treatment advice or recommendation.

Step One (Diagnosis)

This is the most critical step. Even if you are convinced that pinworms are causing your symptoms, it is always the best approach to test to ensure your diagnosis is accurate. This will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Genova GI Effects test is the best test for a proper diagnosis. It’s not cheap, but it is worth every penny. Note: Diagnostic Solutions GI-MAP does not test for pinworms.

GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile – 3-day (primarily if parasites are suspected, especially pinworms) $439

GI Effects® is a comprehensive assessment of complete gut health, assessing the root cause of most GI complaints. A combination of PCR, culture, and microscopic testing methods ensures any and all relevant organisms are identified. Data-driven analysis is based on their database of hundreds of thousands of complete stool profiles.

Pinworm Enterobius vermicularis Genova GI Effects

Step Two (Pharmaceutical – Prescription)

Now that you have the correct pinworm diagnosis, you are ready for step 2.

First-line Treatment (A prescription is needed for Albendazole and Mebendazole).

Albendazole (400 mg as a single dose, repeated after 2 weeks).
OR
Mebendazole (100 mg as a single dose, repeated after 2 weeks).

These medications are well-tolerated and highly effective. They work by disrupting the parasite’s ability to uptake glucose, causing it to become weak and die.

1-12-25 Update: A Clinical trial highlights a promising new treatment for intestinal worms. Albendazole alone may not be effective, but combining ivermectin and albendazole handles resistant cases. 

(Pharmaceutical – OTC)

Reese’s Pinworm Medicine (Pyrantel pamoate) 2 oz. is an over-the-counter option in many countries and a good alternative if albendazole or mebendazole is unavailable. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Shake very well before dispensing the recommended dose. Repeat in one week and then one week after that, for a total of three rounds.

Pyrantel pamoate acts by causing neuromuscular blockade and blocking acetylcholinesterase, leading to spastic paralysis and muscle contracture in worms, allowing their expulsion from the body.

Step Three (Topical)

A. Full-strength clove oil can be mixed with an equal amount of coconut oil and rubbed around the rectum each night. A small amount of neem leaf powder from an opened capsule can be sprinkled into the mix. The mixture may irritate the tissue around the rectum. If so, discontinue use, use less clove oil, and/or add more coconut oil. This mixture can be used throughout the day if needed.

B. Use full-strength clove oil under your nails and around the nail bed to kill the eggs.

Step Four (Environmental)

Do not underestimate the importance of this step.

Spray the bed sheet with the Eradicator to kill the pinworm eggs before removing them from the bed. Shaking the sheet will only launch the egg into the air. Spraying the entire house, pay attention, especially things like doorknobs, keyboards, and things you usually touch. I would also use some oil (mixed or not) inside the ears and around the nostrils. The eggs can be transported anywhere.

Step Five (Herbal Support)

A. Neem Leaf Powder – This can be made into tea and drank throughout the day, and it will be used in the Intestinal Parasite Cleanse Shake

Preparation: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of the powder in eight (8) ounces of hot water. Since it tastes bitter, you can add stevia and lemon juice. Drink neem tea three times daily, with the first cup on an empty stomach.

B. Wormwood (Artemisia annua) Wormwood Tincture – contains alcohol. Add one full squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz of water, juice, or neem tea. Drink three times per day. Best taken between meals.

and/or

C. Wormwood Capsules: Take one capsule without food three times per day. It is best taken with neem tea.

D. Grapefruit Seed Extract (Paracan MYC): Take one capsule without food three times daily. It is best taken with neem tea.

E. For children who do not swallow pills or capsules – Cerder Bear Intestinal Cleanse for Kids

Step Six (For Stubborn Cases: Intestinal Parasite [pinworm] Cleanse)

If Step Five doesn’t do the trick, this mixture will take things to a new level. It can be done twice daily for one month or longer.

1 Tbsp – Psyllium Husk Powder
1 Tbsp – DE additional data – Worming with Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth & Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Health Benefits for Humans
1.5 tsp – Bentonite Clay
1 tsp – Neem Leaf Powder
Add one full squeeze of the dropper bulb of Wormwood Tincture or the contents of one capsule
1/2 tsp – Clove Powder
1/2 tsp – Ginger Powder or 1/2″ Section of Fresh Ginger w/Skin
Six or more – Black Peppercorns – (10 mg of piperine increases curcumin utilization)
1/2 tsp – Curcumin Powder 95%
1/2 tsp – Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Powder (no other type of cinnamon should be used)
A sprinkle – Stevia Powder (Mandatory to make the shake more palatable)
1/2 cup – 100% Pineapple Juice
1/8 cup – Raw Pumpkin Seeds In Shell.

Combine, mix in a blender, and drink.

Step Seven (Diet)

  • Follow a high-fiber, vegan, or vegetarian diet (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). Pinworms don’t do well with a lot of insoluble fiber.
  • Animal protein should be limited.
  • Table sugar should be avoided entirely.
  • Avoid starches like potato, corn, and white rice.
  • Add raw pumpkin seeds (in the shell) when you can to salads.
  • Avoid all refined carbohydrates, boxed or packaged food.
  • Spices like garlic, thyme, oregano, and dill are incredibly beneficial and should be added to your food.
  • Raw garlic, if tolerated, is one of the best herbs to add to your diet