My child has pinworms. how did he get them?

They're everywhere: Don't look for someone to blame. The pinworm lays eggs on the anus; it's human nature to scratch. And what person always washes the hands before touching someone else? Best is to have junior treated -- and consider treating the entire family.

They're common: Pinworms live in the bowel and lay tiny eggs outside the rectum; when the infected child's bottom itches-they scratch. The eggs remain on their hands, and are transferred to the room where people touch objects and then their mouths, ingesting the eggs. They are very common, especially in daycare settings. If one child is infected, many others may be infected too. Fortunately easily treated.