What is pinworm?

Pinworms, also called threadworms, are parasitic worms that live in the intestines and rectum of infected people. Pinworms are small and thin (about ¼ inch to ½ inch long), and white or light brown in color.

What is pinworm infection?

Pinworm infection is called enterobiasis. Although a pinworm infection needs to be treated, it usually does not cause any serious medical problems. Pinworm infections are very common, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide.

People of all ages can become infected with pinworms, but the infection is most common in children. Caregivers and family members of infected children are at higher risk of infection. Day care centers, preschools, and schools are frequent sources of pinworm infections. People living in institutions are also commonly affected by pinworms.

What are the symptoms of pinworm infection?

Symptoms of a pinworm infection (enterobiasis) include the following:

1. Anal itching, especially at night: Pinworms lay their eggs around the anus at night, causing itching and burning. While symptoms are usually mild, anal itching can be severe.

2. Insomnia:- Because anal itching is more severe at night, people suffering from pinworm infection may have trouble sleeping, which can lead to loss of concentration, fatigue, and weight loss.

3. Vaginal itching:- In women, symptoms may also include vaginal discharge and itching in the vaginal area.

How do pinworms get into people?

Pinworm infection occurs when someone swallows pinworm eggs, usually in the following way:

1. Pinworms lay their eggs on the skin around the anus of an infected person.

2. When the person touches or scratches his or her anus, the eggs stick to the fingers and nails.

3. The eggs are then transferred to surfaces and to other people, who swallow them when they touch their mouths.

4. The eggs travel through the infected person’s digestive system and hatch in the intestines.

5. Once the eggs hatch, female pinworms travel into the anus to lay their eggs.

Pinworm eggs can survive for 2-3 weeks on fingers, under fingernails, and on surfaces such as linens, clothes or toilet seats. The tiny eggs can only be seen under a microscope.

Can you get pinworms without being around an infected person? Can you get pinworms without being around an infected person?

Yes. A pinworm infection can also be spread through:

1. Bed sheets and Undergarments:- Eggs can be spread by coming in contact with contaminated sheets, towels or underwear of infected people.

2. Breathe :- Because eggs are very small, they can travel through the air and breathe. Once inhaled, they travel through the digestive tract, hatch, and lay their eggs.

3. Dogs and cats:- While pinworms are usually transmitted from human to human, dogs and cats can carry eggs on their fur and transfer them to humans.

How is pinworm infection diagnosed?

If you or your child has anal itching that is worse at night, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, especially anal itching at night. Additionally, the doctor may ask you to collect pinworm eggs using a “tape test.” To do this:

1. Place a clear piece of tape over the anal area as soon as the infected person wakes up in the morning. The eggs will stick to the tape.

2. Take the tape to the doctor, following your doctor’s instructions. The eggs will be examined under a microscope.

It is best to do the tape test as soon as the person wakes up, before bathing or using the bathroom. You should perform the tape test a few times to get the most accurate results.

Another way to confirm the diagnosis is to look at the pinworms. While the infected person is sleeping, mature pinworms crawl out of the rectum and lay their eggs around the anus.

Small, thin, grayish-white worms may appear around the anus two to three hours after a person sleeps. The worms look like small pieces of thread, so they are sometimes called threadworms. You can catch the worms using clear tape or tell your doctor if you see them.

How are pinworms treated?

Pinworms are treated with an oral (taken by mouth) anti-parasite medication that kills the worms. To make sure all the worms are gone, you will need to take one dose immediately and another dose two weeks later. To reduce the risk of reinfection, pediatricians recommend that family members and caregivers of an infected child also be treated. The medicines used to treat pinworms are as follows:-

1. Pyrantel Pamoate

2. Mebendazole

3. Albendazole

Pyrantel pamoate is the drug most commonly used to treat pinworms.

What are the side effects of pinworm treatment?

Before using pyrantel pamoate, you should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if the infected child is younger than 2 years. Side effects of pyrantel pamoate include:-

1. Diarrhea

2. Nausea

3. Vomiting

4. Stomach ache

5. Headache

Side effects of all three drugs include gastrointestinal problems.

What are the complications associated with pinworms?

Pinworms can cause the following complications, but do not lead to serious and complex complications: –

1. Bacterial infection:- When an infected person scratches the anal area, the skin may bleed and get infected.

2. Urinary tract infection (UTI) :- In women, worms can travel to the vagina and cause infection.

3. Gastrointestinal and stomach problems:- In rare cases, pinworms can cause appendicitis, diverticulitis, and inflammation of the vagina and uterus. Has been added to the layer.

How can I prevent pinworm infection?

The most effective way to prevent pinworm infection is to practice hygiene in the following ways:

1. Wash your hands frequently:- Using soap and warm water, after using the bathroom, changing diapers, before handling food or touching your mouth or nose and dogs. Or wash your hands after petting the cat. Make sure your children wash their hands too.

2. Keep surfaces clean :- Clean toys, counters, toilets, utensils, dishes and other surfaces frequently with soap and water to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

3. Shower frequently: People who have the problem of pinworms should take bath daily to remove some eggs from the skin. Showering is more effective than bathing because bath water may be contaminated with eggs. People who have pinworms should not bathe with others until the infection is gone.

4. Keep your nails clean and trimmed :- To prevent the eggs from being transferred, keep your nails clean and trimmed.

5. Avoid touching the anal area :- Make sure that children do not touch or scratch the affected area.

6. Wash sheets, towels, and underclothes frequently: Wash linens every day until treatment is completed. Be careful not to shake the clothes before washing as the eggs may scatter and spread the infection.

Note, do not take any medicine without doctor’s advice. Self-medication is life-threatening and can lead to serious medical conditions.