A guardian is told about enterobiasis (pinworm). Which action helps prevent infection?

A guardian is told about enterobiasis (pinworm). Which action helps prevent infection?

• A. Wash hands after using the bathroom
• B. Avoid sharing towels
• C. Trim the child's fingernails short
• D. Take daily antihistamines

Answer: (C)

Pinworm spread happens when tiny eggs get onto hands and are then ingested, typically after scratching the itchy area. Keeping fingernails short directly reduces the chance that eggs cling under the nails and are swallowed or passed to others. Short nails are easier to keep clean and less likely to harbor eggs, which lowers autoinfection and transmission risk. Washing hands after using the bathroom is also important, but the nails provide a more robust, constant barrier to transfer right at the common route of ingestion. Avoiding towel sharing can help limit spread via contaminated fabrics, and daily antihistamines don’t affect the parasite at all.

Pinworm spread happens when tiny eggs get onto hands and are then ingested, typically after scratching the itchy area. Keeping fingernails short directly reduces the chance that eggs cling under the nails and are swallowed or passed to others. Short nails are easier to keep clean and less likely to harbor eggs, which lowers autoinfection and transmission risk.

Washing hands after using the bathroom is also important, but the nails provide a more robust, constant barrier to transfer right at the common route of ingestion. Avoiding towel sharing can help limit spread via contaminated fabrics, and daily antihistamines don’t affect the parasite at all.