Pinworm Infection : Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

What is pinworm infection?

An intestinal parasitic infection caused by the pinworm is one of the most common infections amongst individuals. They are small while in the form of Enterobius vermicularis. They live in the colon and are vermin feasting on the human intestinal system. While pinworm infections may inflict all humans, there is a proportional infective prevalence found amongst children and to those who live in close contact aggregation.

Pinworms are small, thin and white, most being around 0.5 in (1.3 cm). There is a notable irritative discomfort which is presented by the intense pruritus in the anal region and often leads to sleep and daily activity problems.

Who is most at risk of pinworm infection?

Though all humans are at risk of postulating a pinworm infection, children of this group appear to have a predisposing risk. This is especially true for a child in pre schooling, especially if they are engaged in a group arena such as day care playgroups, and a crowded environment such as a housing unit. The anal region is an area where there are frequent unwashed hands especially for uncircumcised boys. The navels are infested by children who engage in anal contact pruritic and those children are thumb suckers, nail biters and are caretakers to active postulating pinworm these infested children.

What Are the Symptoms of Pinworms?

The most common infection signs are:

• Major anal itching, more so at night.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Anal redness, rashes, or irritation.
• Pinworms are occasionally visible around the butt, or in stools.
• If they migrate, they might cause vaginal itching or discharge.
• Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, which are signs of other more serious issues, are rare.

They’re more likely to suffer nighttime itchiness, since female pinworms go to the anal area to lay their eggs, causing irritation.

What Are The Causes of Pinworms?

The infection occurs when one microscopic eggs are accidentally swallowed or inhaled. It’s often difficult to know when someone is infected, since the eggs are invisible.

The eggs hatch in the intestines, and grow to adulthood in a few short weeks. The cycle of infection repeats when

• Scratching the anal area causes one to transfer infected eggs from the anal area to their fingers and beneath their nails
• Egg-infested fingers transfer eggs to other areas, including beds, toys, and any nearby surface.
• Infected fingers transfer eggs to the mouth, or fingers that have been soiled in other ways, especially if a child is involved, which is why pinworms are often seen in schools.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You or your child should see a doctor about;

• Severe prolonged anal itching
• Discomfort related to sleep
• Worms visible in your stools or around your anal area

Prompt treatment decreases the chances of complications and helps avoid transmitting the infection to other people.

How is Pinworm Infection Diagnosed?

There is a simple and common method that physicians typically use to confirm the diagnosis of a pinworm infection – the Tape Test. This method involves;

• Placing a pinworm paddle or a clear adhesive tape on the anal area.
• Keeping the tape on and then the tape is removed from the anal area to collect any eggs that may be stuck to the tape.
• The tape is then checked for eggs microscopically.

The test is done first thing in the morning before the patient has a bath or a bowel movement since the eggs could be washed or bowled away.

Treatment Options for Pinworm Infection

There are prescription-only treatments available for pinworm infections with some of the more common options being:

• Mebendazole – Generally works with one dose but for some people it may take more.
• Albendazole – May be used with other medicines to lessen side effects.
• Pyrantel – Useful in some cases but is more common in people with extra complications.

In most cases, treatment consists of three doses given three weeks apart. Given how contagious pinworms are, treatment must be given simultaneously to all members of the same household and close contacts, to prevent re-infestation.

Preventing Reinfection

The most important step in preventing the re-infection of pinworms is to maintain good hygiene. This involves the following measures:

• Wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Clean hands after using the restroom and after changing a diaper.
• Keep fingernails short and free of debris.
• Refrain from nail biting and scratching.
• Bathe daily and regularly change out of soiled undergarments.
• Wash clothing and bedding in hot water.
• Ensure indoor spaces are well lit, especially those where people are sleeping, as pinworm eggs are photophobic.
• Avoid sharing towels and washing together during treatment.

If the above measures are taken, the chance of re-infection is greatly lowered.

Complications of Pinworm Infection

If pinworm infections are not treated, a number of complications may arise, including:

• Secondary infection of the skin from persistent itching
• Infection of the urinary tract
• Appendicitis, which is rare
• Weight loss
• Vulvovaginitis in females

Effective treatment will avoid the complications listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do pinworms affect animals?

No. Pinworms only infect humans and do not spread via pets.

Can children attend school with pinworms?

Children can return to school on the first treatment day, as long as they do not have diarrhea.

Do pinworms go away naturally?

No. The infection does not go away on its own and you do not develop immunity.

Final thoughts

Understandably, it can be distressing for most to get diagnosed with a pinworm infection. The most important thing is to be aware of the proper treatment methods available. It is a straightforward process and with the right hygiene, pinworm infection can be eliminated and reoccurrence can be prevented.