Pinworms & Gentian Violet

History

• "The Journal of Pediatrics" published a landmark study in 1955 that revealed that a rectal suppository containing 0.25 percent gentian violet was effective in treating pinworms. However, the cure rate with a suppository alone was only 65 percent, as compared with a 97 percent cure rate with both orally and rectally administered gentian violet.

Warning

• "The Annual Review of Medicine" published an article in 1957 that mentions gentian violet as one treatment for pinworms. The article also states that the use of gentian violet was being phased out because it sometimes caused severe abdominal cramping and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Considerations

• Pinworms are now commonly treated with prescription medications such as Vermox, Albenza or Pin-X, as well as frequent washing and changing of bedding and underwear, according to the New York University's Langone Medical Center. Gentian violet is not mentioned as a currently used treatment for pinworms.