Help! My 6 year old has had three cases of pinworms in the last 6 months! What can I do?

Susan, NY

This is a very common scenario in young school age children. The mechanism of transmission is actually the fecal-oral route by way of the eggs. When the child scratches or touches the itchy anal area the eggs become embedded under the fingernails. When the child puts her hands in the mouth, the eggs are ingested and hatch in the intestines.

There are several critical steps that you must take. First, trim the child's fingernails carefully. Clean under the nails gently with a blunt object as best you can. Wash all the sheets and pajamas in hot water cycle in your washing machine. I generally treat with Vermox chewable tabs for two doses one week apart.

Pinworms strongly dislike garlic. I advise getting fresh garlic into your child in any way feasible. Kyolic garlic extract is one way. Give it with chocolate syrup as this will disguise the flavor. My kids like fresh roasted garlic. Take an entire garlic head and roast it. Squeeze out the soft yummy pieces when cooked. The taste is sweet and delicious. Keep on giving the garlic as often as possible.