If your child has itching or irritation of the anal area, he could have pinworms. Keep in mind that many get itching in this area just from washing the area too often or vigorously with soap.
Check your child for pinworms as follows: First, look for a 1/4-inch, white, threadlike worm that moves. Examine the area around the anus using a flashlight. Do this a few hours after your child goes to bed and first thing in the morning for 2 nights in a row. If no pinworm is seen, do a Scotch tape test for pinworm eggs.
Instructions for Scotch tape test
1. Pick up glass slides at your healthcare provider's office (2 for each child) and write your child's name on the slides.
2. Touch the sticky side of a piece of clear Scotch tape to the skin on both sides of the anus. Do this in the morning soon after your child has awakened and before any bath or shower.
3. Stick the piece of tape onto a slide. Do this 2 mornings in a row. Be sure to wash your hands right after handling the tape. Bring the slides to your provider's office. Your child's provider will look at the tape under a microscope.
Your provider will call you to give you the results. If pinworm eggs are seen on the slides, your child's provider will prescribe medicine.
