Scoop the insulation in a heavy-duty garbage bag and dispose of the feces. Reynolds says alcohol-based hand sanitizers arent as effective as they could be because they dont kill a lot of diseases. The effectiveness of freezing and heating depends on a number of factors, including the age of the parasites, the temperature and time of day. Cleaning a room with pinworms can help to reduce the spread of infection. After a shower, make sure to dry your feet adequately, especially before putting on your socks. (3). While isopropyl alcohol, known as rubbing alcohol, can kill bedbugs and their eggs, it isn't an effective way to get rid of an infestation. Pinworm eggs can live up to 2-3 weeks outside, and to prevent getting re-infected, it is vital to get rid of them. Plastic is porous and can harbor worm eggs, while glass is nonporous and can tolerate sterilizing heat. People dont usually have long-term health effects from roundworms. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Wash hands and avoid contact with fecal matter. When that part of your body is submerged in water, the tip of the worm comes out to lay its eggs. Treatment to reduce swelling from lymphatic filariasis may include: Many people who are infected with roundworms are malnourished, so getting enough nutrients for overall health may help prevent and treat roundworm infection. Alcohol can kill bed bugs, but it depends on the concentration of rubbing alcohol, as solutions with 70% and 91% isopropyl concentrations can work well . There are two primary factors leading to the death of pathogens in humanure. Psoriasis can cause a red rash with white scales, which are much thicker than the fine scales seen in ringworm or tinea. Di Meglio P, Villanova F, Nestle FO. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Often, the parasite causes problems for its host (creature it depends on). Dont eat raw fruits and vegetables in areas with poor sanitation. However, we'll also need to ask if it's safe to use around your home and on your pets. Washing your hands after working or playing outdoors is good practice for preventing a number of diseases. The hookworm can be killed on cement with three cups of bleach per gallon. Regardless of how they enter, most roundworms end up in your intestines, causing infection or disease. Roundworm eggs are resistant to freezing temperatures, chemical disinfectants and other strong chemicals, but thermophilic composting will kill them. Clean up dog or animal poop in your yard. You place a poop sample in the container and bring it to your provider or a lab. Hookworm species in humans include Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, A. braziliense, A. caninum and A. ceylanicum. People do not build immunity to them either so to get rid of them totally, they must be treated. Antiparasitic drugs and other medications used to treat roundworm infections and certain complications include: See "Warnings and Precautions" for certain medications that someone with roundworm infection should avoid. Stomach cramps. When the female lays her eggs, it is a good time to look for pinworms. El-Gohary M, van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, et al. A round of medication usually treats the infection. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. The infection can also transfer from one part of the body to another, known as autoinoculation. Can tapeworms live in carpet? The easiest and fastest way to kill pinworm eggs is by using hot water with rag or Clorox wipes. Puerto Rico had the highest positive sample frequency (9.3%), while samples from Wyoming, Arizona, and Nevada showed no incidence of Ascaris at all. Black Beetles In The House? Pinworms are not known to disappear by themselves unless treated. It will immediately kill the existing germs on the skin surface. Parents may not wash their hands properly after changing a diaper of a child with pinworms. You can take it for a few days. Medication can treat roundworms. In fact, Dr. Alexis says there is "no evidence that drinking alcohol will help kill viruses and bacteria.". People with strong immunity usually overcome this condition rather quickly without much treatment, but those with compromised immunity are not only at a greater risk of contracting the infection but are also less responsive to traditional treatment. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: For Healthcare Providers, Emergency Consultations, and General Public. Be the first to rate this post. Single low-dose mebendazole administered quarterly for ascaris treatment. The dermatophytes that cause ringworm can be transmitted by infected animals (zoophilic) to humans or by contact with an infected human (anthropophilic). Nicoletti A. Taxocariasis. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. One need not strive for extremely high temperatures such as 650C (1500F) in a compost pile to feel confident about the destruction of pathogens. Boil any instruments used to remove feces, such as a scraper or shovel. Baylisascaris infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with raccoons and their feces. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. If you have found a raccoon latrine near your home, cleaning the area may prevent possible infection. They include: Some roundworm infections can last a long time, and there are many possible complications. Public Health Nutr. Can Ringworm Go Away Without Any Treatment? These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Most pets show no signs of infection with these worms, but some may vomit, stop eating their food, or lose weight. Alcohol is a powerful antibacterial substance, so much so, that it will most likely kill any and allbacteria it comes in contact with. They can cause discomfort, chemical burn, and dry skin, which can lead to a flare-up or worsening of eczema and dry skin. Everything You Need to Know About Ringworm, Explained by a Dermatologist, Tips to Prevent Fungal Infections Like Ringworm. Hundreds of millions of people around the world are infected with roundworms at any given time. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. To get rid of pinworm eggs on surfaces, it has to be with soap and water or hot water. The worms are similar to small pieces of white cotton thread. Cvetnic Z, Vladimir-Knezevic S. Antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed and pulp ethanolic extract. In general, unhealthy eating, weight gain, smoking, drinking alcohol, and emotional stress can worsen any skin condition. When pathogenic raw humanure is applied to soil, pathogenic bacteria may continue to survive in the soil for over a year, and round-worm eggs may survive for many years, thereby maintaining the possibility of human reinfection for lengthy periods of time. A person may also need surgery if the roundworm infection causes obstructions in the intestines or other organs. Take steps to prevent roundworm infections: The medicine destroys roundworms in about three days. These small worms are about a centimeter long, and humans are almost the exclusive host of A. duodenale and N. americanus. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Step 1 Clean and disinfect litter boxes and scoops once a week in hot, soapy water. But you may feel tired or get stomach symptoms, including: Diarrhea. On the other hand, using alcohol requires you to spray it on the . So some researchers believe that vitamin A supplements may help prevent or reduce symptoms of roundworm infections. Other steps in diagnosis may include: It is easier to prevent roundworms than to cure them. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Although dogs and cats do not harbor pinworms, the eggs can get on their fur and find their way back to their human hosts. To effectively clean the room, start by washing all the linens, towels and clothing with hot water and detergent. Adult worms, which reproduce, can be more than a foot (30 centimeters) long. Needless to say, the answer is yes. Most roundworms or their eggs are found in the dirt and can be picked up on the hands and transferred to the mouth, or they can get into the body through the skin. Alcohol can cause damage to your dental health by making your teeth and gums more susceptible to infections and disease. Newly deposited eggs take at least 2-4 weeks to become infective. If detergents are not left on vegetables for a long period of time, they dont affect histopathological effects. The itching can become intense after a pinworm lays eggs. What do parasites look like in human poop? What Is The 85Th Percentile In Statistics? You can find strong chlorine bleach in a bottle, but its not something to treat lightly. Treat feces-soiled decks, patios, and other surfaces with boiling water or a propane torch (please contact your local fire department for regulations and safety practices). The eggs are passed in the feces and mature into larvae outside the human host in favorable conditions. Have stomach problems that last longer than two weeks such as diarrhea or a stomachache. If you eat a balanced diet and have a healthy immune system, there are some parasites that will disappear on their own. Bed bugs are a common trouble in homes. Home remedies can be used to rid yourself of worms. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, The Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center, Heart - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mount Sinai Center for Asian Equity and Professional Development, Preparing for Surgery and Major Procedures, Some people may see the worm move across the eyes, Swelling and scarring, especially of the legs and groin, Itch where the worm enters the skin (similar to a bug bite), Living in or visiting a warm, tropical climate, Crowded conditions, such as day care or institutional settings, Eating dirt or clay, children tend to become infected this way. Clean litter pans regularly with a solution of chlorine bleach diluted in water to disinfect the area. The goal is not just to get pinworms out of your body but also on your surfaces as well. This type of infection typically involves the feet and lower shins. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How do you disinfect your house after worms? Hydrogen peroxide can be harmful for worms because it can cause damage to the bodys cells. 12 /12. Roundworms live in the intestines of hosts such as pets and humans. However, if you're composting your manure, you can be sure that you are not thereby breeding or spreading pinworms. One sure way to eradicate fecal pathogens is to conscientiously collect and thermophilically compost all fecal material. In moist tropical climates, roundworm infection may afflict 50% of the population. 2000;3(1):83-89. at 600C, Salmonella typhosa: no growth past 46C; death in 30 min. If your pet has roundworms, you can be exposed to the eggs or larvae in their poop. This solvent dissolves their outer cells and dries them until they die. In short, the combined factors of temperature and time will do the job of turning your turds into tomatoes so you can eat them. This infection is mostly superficial, which means that the fungus thrives only on the first layer of the skin (stratum corneum). These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. These worms tend to be found in tropical and semi-tropical areas and are spread by defecating on the soil. The natural way to kill pinworms is using home remedies such as garlic, lemon, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, wormwood tea, and onions. Anyone can get roundworms. Parasites Toxocariasis (Also Known as Roundworm Infection). In the words of Feachem et al., "The effectiveness of excreta treatment methods depends very much on their time-temperature characteristics. Eur J Clin Nutr. The same can be said for fungal infections. Hookworm Often there are not any symptoms, if there are symptoms they may include: Itchy rash Cough Wheezing Trouble breathing Abdominal pain Weight loss Diarrhea Loss of appetite Loiasis Watery or itchy eyes Blurred vision Some people may see the worm move across the eyes Lymphatic filariasis Swelling and scarring, especially of the legs and groin There are detergents that can be used to clean vegetables. C. elegans can be killed by certain strains ofbacteria after they are eaten. Dispose of gloves and animal feces in sealable plastic bags Video of the Day Step 2 Use glass dishes to feed your pets. Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that involves the skin, joints, and even the cardiovascular system, whereas ringworm is a fungal infection. Eat bitter and spicy foods, such as those containing turmeric (curries), cayenne peppers, green chilies, olives, figs, garlic, and ginger. The therapeutic potential of flavonoids. Fungal species thrive in moist and warm environments. Many companies go as far as to recommend these cleanse for everyone, without a doctor even knowing they have a disease. Diagnosis is by stool analysis. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Is it true that peppers kill parasites? Rubbing alcohol is a solvent and can kill insects by dissolving their outer cells. They are common parasites that live in humans. A thermophilic compost pile will destroy pathogens, including worm eggs, quickly, possibly in a matter of minutes. Even if they do, they quickly die outside the human host. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Make sure you dont have any reaction to it before using it on your skin though. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. Rubbing alcohol is suitable for killing a few roaches but not large infestations. While rubbing alcohol will slow it down on surfaces, you will need a stranger cleaner and hot water to kill it completely. Most commonly used bleach solutions do not have an effect on the parasites. Frigidaire Freezer Green Light Blinking (FIXED), The Best Freezeproof Outdoor Faucets (2023), Can You Replant A Christmas Tree? It affects 20 million to 42 million people, many of them children. Wash and disinfect indoor areas where pets like to sit, sleep, eat or play. One thing has to be clear, though. Without realizing it, people touch the eggs with their fingers. Use soap or a detergent solution to clean the surface. Isopropyl alcohol can be toxic to pets. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2006:1545-1555. During summer, besides the obvious heat, there is increased perspiration of the occluded surfaces of the body, such as the groin and feet. Purdue University: Animal Damage Management: Raccoon Roundworm, Cornell University: Canine Roundworm Infections, Pennsylvania State University: Impact of Roundworms on Society. The ringworm rash can occur on any area of the body. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. These high-risk groups must exercise extra care. After getting rid of pinworm in the body, you need to rid your outside and hoe surfaces of the eggs too. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Living in poverty, especially in underdeveloped areas of the world. It is very common in the tropics and subtropics. Light infections can produce no recognizable symptoms, while a moderate or heavy infection can produce an iron deficiency anemia. What cleaner kills roundworm eggs? If your rash worsened with a topical steroid or cortisone, you might have a fungal or yeast infection that needs to be evaluated by a skin specialist at the earliest as this may need oral medication. The roundworm eggs cant hatch on your carpet, so they need a host. Infection results from ingestion of the eggs. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/18/2021. This condition is much harder to treat and can take more than a month to resolve with high-dose oral antifungal medication. Microwave irradiation is very effective in killing or preventing the development of helminth and protozoan parasites. How long does it take to get rid of a parasite? See a physician to find out what kind you have (requires a stool test) and get the correct. 55C, Streptococcus pyogenes: within 10 minutes at 540C, Taenia saginata: within a few minutes at 550C, Trichinella spiralis larvae: quickly killed at 550C. Does Dettol Kill Pinworm (Threadworm) Eggs? Its important to wash surfaces and objects. Make sure meat is thoroughly cooked. Evaluation of the anthelmentic activity of garlic (Allium sativum) in mice naturally infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera. A pet with roundworms can spread the disease to many people. Steam clean your carpets to remove roundworm eggs. It is also toxic to cats and rabbits. Introduce predatory nematodes into your yard to control roundworms. Alcohol can kill bed bugs, but this depends on the amount of concentration of the rubbing alcohol since a solution at 70% and 91% isopropyl concentration can do the trick. Does alcohol help in killing intestinal worms? Pour boiling water on floors and decks to kill any existing roundworm eggs. Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis. Light infections may not show any symptoms. However, people with compromised immune systems can have more frequent fungal infections or very resistant cases that do not respond to topical medications. Persons handling soil that has been defecated on by an infected person risk infection by hand-to-mouth transmission. The deworming treatment should be taken by adults if their child shows any of the symptoms. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://ebooks.aappublications.org/content/red-book-2018.tab-info). A blister develops, usually on the legs or feet, and becomes an open wound. If your dog defecates inside your home, remove the feces immediately. People may not notice symptoms if their health is otherwise good. A sound approach to pathogen destruction when composting humanure is to thermophilically compost the toilet material, then allow the compost to sit, undisturbed, for a lengthy period of time after the thermophilic heating stage has ended. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking barefoot in public areas including gyms, locker rooms, public showers, and hotel rooms. Scientists studied the effectiveness of Isopropyl alcohol against head lice. herb per cup of hot water. Eggs survive longest (two to six days) under cool, humid conditions; in dry air, none will survive for more than 16 hours. Symptoms can last up to six weeks. How do I disinfect my yard from roundworms? If you come into contact with infected poop of people or animals, you can get roundworms. Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) are fairly large worms (10 inches in length) which parasitize the human host by eating semi-digested food in the small intestine. Researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds cleared the stool of parasites in 23 out of 30 subjects. It is difficult to keep the environment free of tapeworm eggs due to the fact that we cant keep it permanently clean. Guinea worms should be removed surgically, but surgery is not available in many areas where there are a lot of infections. Early treatment is the best way to ensure a quick recovery from ringworm. What kills roundworm eggs on surfaces? The eggs or larvae (newly hatched roundworms) often live in infected soil or stool (poop). Although there are no scientific studies that show any herbs help treat roundworm infections, the following herbs may help overall health: Most antiparasitic drugs used to treat roundworm infection should not be used during pregnancy. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Unfortunately, no. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5621188/. Antifungals are classified into two categories: Fungistatic medications halt the growth of the fungus but do not directly kill it, whereas fungicidal treatments destroy the dermatophytes directly. You can use rubbing alcohol on some surfaces like marble, limestone, or terrazzo, but not on wood. The steps to preventing roundworm infection include: The main treatment for roundworm infections are medications that kill parasites. Roundworm eggs are resistant to freezing temperatures, chemical disinfectants and other strong chemicals, but thermophilic composting will kill them. LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Litterboxes can be cleaned with a bleach solution (one cup of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water) to facilitate removal of eggs. Antibiotics are often used to kill parasites andbacteria. Misting the area first will prevent dust inhalation. Alcohol has to be directly applied to the. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Vacuum Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily. People get infected by touching contaminated soil. Avoid stirring up dust and debris- you can lightly mist the latrine area with water from a spray bottle to reduce the amount of dust. When you wake up in the morning, you will place a piece of clear tape around your anus. It most often occurs in children and can spread easily in school or daycare. Otherwise, it can persist for a long time. How to Clean a House With Roundworms Step 1. While rubbing alcohol, also known as Isopropyl alcohol can kill bed bugs along with their eggs, it is often not recommended as the best option for treating the situation. You can also get them by touching infected surfaces, like soil. What can I do to protect myself from roundworms? It also has lots of potential uses in personal hygiene, but read on to find out if it can e used to kill pinworm eggs. Depending on the type of roundworm, you may need to repeat the treatment after a few weeks. This site provides content for informational purposes only. Its not enough to have alcohol in your bloodstream to kill germs. They thrive in moist settings, which is why they are so commonly found in soil. Put on a N95-rated dust mask when cleaning up feces infected with roundworms, such as that of a raccoon or.Step 2. Published 2016. Spraying bed bugs or their eggs directly with wintergreen alcohol will break down the cell walls, resulting in death, but the alcohol will dry too quickly to use as a one-stop solution. Yes, the application of rubbing alcohol on bed bug-infested sites can help kill the parasites. Eat more dark leafy greens (spinach and kale) and sea vegetables. Spread a nematicide fertilizer or insecticide to kill roundworms in your yard. Both thermophilic composting and freezing weather will kill hookworms and eggs. Boiling water is one of the most effective ways to decontaminate equipment and kill roundworm eggs. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2004;54(3):243-50. Men will be affected in the folds of the groin, especially in the area where the scrotum approximates with the adjacent inner thigh. Make sure children dont play near an animals poop. The infection starts when eggs enter the mouth and travel to the intestines. The disease is caused by three types of worms. Ayaz E, Trel I, Gl A, Yilmaz O. Indian dermatology online journal. Symptoms include pain and swelling at the site of the wound. Yes, rubbing alcohol can kill pinworm eggs outside your body since it contains disinfectant properties, but its not effective on surfaces. When wild animals are kept as pets, there can be a risk of disease transmission to humans. Pinworm infection can take within one week of treatment to disappear and signs of irritation or pinworm eggs are sure to be gone with it. For other roundworms, eggs may hide in the food people eat. Does rubbing alcohol kill parasites on surfaces? The first is temperature A compost pile that is properly managed will destroy pathogens with the heat and biological activity it generates. Use caution when cleaning with very hot water. Published 2017. Read More Above 370C (98.60F), they cannot fully develop. Although mebendazole kills adult worms, it does not kill the eggs. See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of pinworm or other roundworms. Keep sandboxes covered when not in use. Tell us your thoughts in details, we welcome every feedback we can get. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320242/. Strongyloidiasis enters through the skin and travels to the intestines. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Handb Clin Neurol. Much of this contamination is caused and spread by children who defecate outdoors within their living area. Wear a N95-rated respirator if working in a confined space to prevent accidental ingestion of eggs or other harmful materials. The infection can be treated with medication, but it's also important to sterilize objects and surfaces that may be contaminated with parasites. SpringerPlus. In about one-third of infected children, eggs may be found under the fingernails. In 95% of infected persons, pinworm eggs aren't found in the feces. Copyright 2023 The Home Tome | All rights reserved! (Complete Guide), How to Clean Artificial Christmas Tree (Complete Guide). Cleary JD, Graham D, Lushbaugh WB, Nolan RL, Chapman SW. The easiest way to kill pinworm in the body is to treat it with a common medication known as albendazole (Albenza). Keep all pet food indoors, and cover garbage securely to keep raccoons and rodents off your property. Pregnant female pinworms contain 11,000 to 15,000 eggs. Heavy infections can result in anemia and death. Raccoon feces can also be found on woodpiles, decks, rooftops, and in attics, garages, and haylofts. The eggs hatch and develop into adult pinworms. They can be harmful and cause many problems, including abdominal (belly) pain, fever and diarrhea. Keep pet dishes clean, but wash them in hot water and detergent separately from the dishes you use yourself. For example, a small child might touch or scratch their bottom or not wash hands after using the bathroom. How do you disinfect after roundworms? Mebendazole works by preventing the worms from absorbing sugars which they need to survive. They tend to migrate to the upper small intestine where they suck their host's blood. One of the worst consequences of pinworm infestation in children is the trauma of the parents, whose feelings of guilt, no matter how clean and conscientious they may be, are understandable. According to the finding that liquid hand soap efficiently destroys all three parasites, soap solutions can be used as first aid measures to clean skin areas accidentally contaminated with the pathogens. Isopropyl alcohol is in aftershave, lotions, and cosmetics. (https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxocariasis/). Its not an intestinal infection. As with any therapy, you should work with your provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. You can be instructed by the health department to soak contaminated surfaces for 20 minutes and then rinse them thoroughly. Rinse the litterbox thoroughly to remove all bleach since it is toxic to cats. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070873/), (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/worms-in-humans/), (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/roundworm), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. It's commonly used for cleaning out scrapes and other wounds. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Prompt removal and destruction of raccoon feces will reduce risk for exposure and possible infection. Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Ivermectin, a medication sometimes used to treat roundworm infections, should not be given to: There are several possible complications associated with roundworm infections. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. It does not store any personal data. The most common symptom is itching around the anus or vagina. Rubbing alcohol will last a little longer than wintergreen but has the same poor results. Remove the source of the roundworms by regularly cleaning up any organic debris in the yard such as grass clippings, decaying leaves, or other organic material. Contamination of the environment can be reduced by prophylactic treatment of susceptible animals and by removing feces daily. Within five or six weeks, they'll mature enough to produce up to 20,000 eggs per day. Handb Clin Neurol. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You can also use safe alternatives to rubbing alcohol, such as anti-flea collars or sprays. Which medication you take depends on which roundworm is causing the infection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4804599/. Bhatia VK, Sharma PC. What does hydrogen peroxide do to parasites? If you have a roundworm infection, ask your provider: Roundworms are a group of parasites that includes pinworms and ascariasis. Wang HK. Step 6 Pour boiling water on floors and decks to kill any existing roundworm eggs. 2000;9(9):2103-19. 42 Other researchers have drawn similar conclusions, demonstrating pathogen destruction at 500C (1220F), which produced compost "completely acceptable from the general hygienic point of view.". Once they get into the digestive tract of their animal or human host, these worms attach to intestinal walls and begin drawing nutrients. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling pets, litter boxes and outdoor soil, even if you've been wearing latex gloves. Recent Patents Anti-Infect Drug Disc. aureus: within 10 minutes at 500C, Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. An infection can last two to fourteen years. It wont kill the pinworms, but it can help with the parasites. A worm's life span is 37-53 days; an infection would self-terminate in this period, without treatment, in the absence of reinfection.