Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by a tiny parasitic worm. It affects millions of people each year, but is most prevalent among school children. Pinworm infection is spread from person to person by physical contact. Pinworm eggs enter the body and live in the digestive system, hatching in the small intestine. They then travel into the large intestine where they live as parasites attaching themselves to the wall of the bowel. After living there for about 1 to 2 months the female pinworm will travel to the rectal area and lay new eggs. This triggers the itching sensation. When people, especially children, scratch themselves, the microscopic parasite settles on the fingers or under the fingernails. These contaminated fingers are then put into the mouth and the process begins all over again. The most effective way to stem the spread of pinworms is through proper hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap, especially after using the toilet [source: Kids Health].
Your doctor can prescribe medication to fight pinworms, or you can try getting rid of them naturally, with one of the remedies listed below.
Advertisement
- Refrain from eating sugar. Pinworms thrive on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Starve them of their favorite food by limiting or totally avoiding your intake of those items.
- Eat lots of foods that are high in fiber, such as raw vegetables and whole grains. This can be very effective in getting rid of pinworms and will help prevent any further recurrence of pinworms.
- Eat probiotic foods, such as yogurt and buttermilk, or take probiotic supplements. The good bacteria found in these foods offer a natural protection against harmful organisms such pinworms.
- Mix a few crushed garlic cloves with honey and take a few spoonfuls of the mixture two to three times a day for three weeks. Garlic has been found to be beneficial in combating pinworms.
- Eat more pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, beets and carrots [source: UMMC].