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| Pinworms (Infection is known as Enterobiasis)
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- What are the causes of Pinworm infection? How does the infection spread?
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Pinworm infection is common in young children.
Pinworms are transmitted from person to person by ingesting the eggs,
which may be carried on fingernails, clothing, bedding, contaminated food,
or other objects, or even in dust and air. The worm then matures inside
the body. Typically, the female worm crawls out through the anus at night
to deposit her eggs. This causes severe itching. The child usually scratches
the area and some of the eggs become embedded under the fingernails. The
eggs are then transmitted and ingested by someone else, allowing the parasites'
life cycle to continue.
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| Pinworm Egg |
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| How is this infection diagnosed? |
| The major symptoms of pinworms are itching in the
anal area, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Infection can be diagnosed
by placing adhesive tape over the anus, removing it, and then examining
the tape under a microscope for eggs. Worms may also be observed in the
stool. Complications from pinworms can include secondary bacterial infections
of the area due to constant scratching and involvement of the vagina in
young girls. |
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| How can pinworm infections be prevented? |
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This infection can be prevented by:
- Bathing frequently;
- Using clean underclothing, night clothes, and
bed sheets;
- Washing ones hands routinely, particularly after using the bathroom.
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| How is this condition treated? |
Treatment for pinworms is by a single dose of albendazole or pyrantel
pamoate, followed by a second dose in 2 weeks.
All medications should be taken with the advice of a doctor. Petroleum jelly
may be applied to the anal area to relieve the itching. Other family members
should also be treated, especially if they have any symptoms. Careful washing
of bedding and clothing is advised. Cleanliness alone may not be enough
to eradicate pinworms. |
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| Hookworms |
| Roundworms |
| Strongyloidiasis |
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Trichinosis |
| Whipworms |
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| This page was last updated on July 05, 2001 |
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