How common are pinworms?

[Anonymous]

I am so grossed out by what I just saw on my son's bottom. The pediatrician asked us to do a midnight check as that is when the worms come out. And there they were. Oh my god. So, what are the percentages? Is it more or less common than lice? And does the school need to be informed?

[Anonymous]

I think you need to tell the school because they can be spread easily. I think they can be gotten rid quickly with an oral medication. Chances are your son caught them at school, so no reason to feel embarrassed- they are so easy to catch and spread. I think you need to treat it like lice and wash disinfect your house, linens, etc.

They are itchy and uncomfortable- so feel bad for your son while you're felling grossed out- they are gross but common.

No, I have never had them but worked in a group home where people would sometimes get them. If there was a case we took a pill as a precaution- good hand washing is essential.

[Anonymous]

They are incredibly common. I read somewhere that 20% of school age children have them at any point in time. They are easy to get rid of though, and the medicine is available over the counter. I don't think it's necessary to tell the school, it's not like they are actually going to notify parents.

[Anonymous]

Gross but common. Our pediatrician recommended that everyone in the family be treated, which was easy, just oNe pill. We did not tell the school.

[Anonymous]

don't tell the school. if it ever gets around that it was your kid it's horrible. the pill plus frequent handwashing will take care of it. honestly, even the pill is optional (though see your dr; it doesn't hurt). I had them as a kid and when I learned what caused reinfection I was super cautious about not scratching and about washing my hands a lot and they went away, without me telling my parents. It was miserable though--scary, embarrassing, and uncomfortable.