The treatment of enterobiasis (Oxyuriasis). Theneed for a special sleeping garment

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Since no truly effective enterobicideis currently available, therapeutic efforts should be directed to the prevention of reinfestation by mechanical means and to the reduction of the worm burden and egg production below the biologic level necessary to perpetuate the disease. These objectives may be attained by:<ul><li>1.The use of a "seal-in" type ofsleeping garment which efficiently prevents anal contamination of the fingers.</li><li>2.Morning showers to wash awayeggs deposited in the perianal region during the night.</li><li>3.Drug therapy which includes several preparations used in any sequence: gentian violet, Diphenan, terramycin, and hexylresorcinol are recommended as reasonably effective and safe.</li><li>4.An anal ointment mildly antipruriticand anesthetic. Perazil is suggested.</li><li>5.Biweekly enemas employed simply for the purpose of rectal lavage.</li><li>6.The usual auxiliary methods ofwashing hands after the toilet, cleansing the toilet seat once daily, and vacuuming and airing the house once weekly.</li><li>7.Simultaneous treatment of siblingsand playmates.</li><li>8.Greater recognition and popularizationof the disease by pediatricians, school physicians, and others so that the social stigma of the parasitization may be removed.</li></ul>