There are few things worse than the idea of investigating a potential pinworm infection. But as you already know if you are reading this post, parenting can be a dirty job.
Has your child come home from school with a note in their backpack about pinworms at school? Did you see the phrase ‘pinworm infection’ on your screen when Googling “Why is my kid scratching his butt so much?”
Whatever the case may be, if you suspect your child has a pinworm infection, it’s time to perform what is often referred to as the “Scotch® Tape Test”.
We recommend performing this test after your child has gone to bed, as pinworms are most active at night. The steps are simple:
- 1. Wait for your child to fall asleep
- 2. Collect anal debris by pressing a piece of tape against the skin around their anus
- 3. Examine the piece of tape for the presence of pinworms or their eggs
Note: Pinworms are white in color and measure about ½” in length. They are similar in appearance to a piece of thread.
If you perform this test and are lucky enough not to find pinworms or pinworm eggs, congratulations! It’s time to continue your Internet search elsewhere. Or you might want to consult your pediatrician just to be sure!
If you do find pinworms during your “Scotch® Tape Test”, it’s time to head to the store to pick up some pinworm medicine.
An over-the-counter pinworm medicine, Reese’s Pinworm Medicine is a safe and effective treatment option that costs up to 95% less than prescription pinworm medicines.
Click here to use our store locator to find the store nearest you that stocks Reese’s Pinworm Medicine!
Also available to help with itching while pinworm medicine is taking effect is Reese’s Pinworm Itch Relief Wipes. The wipes format keeps contact with highly contagious pinworms to a minimum. For more information about the product and where it is available for purchase, click here.