A pinworm is a little white worm. They grow to the maximum of one inch. People normally get pinworms by inhaling a microscopic egg that travels down the digestive system and hatches into a larvae. The larvae then travels to the small intestine. From there, it matures into an adult and travels to and through the large intestine. While sleeping, these worms can crawl out of your anus and will lay eggs around the anal area. This will cause the area to become VERY itchy. Pinworms do irritate you, but are not fatal and can not cause you any harm. Go to a doctor and get tested for worms. if positive, he will put you on medication to get rid of these parasites.
Pinworms are small worms that infect the intestines.
Alternative NamesEnterobiasis; Oxyuriasis; Threadworm; Seatworm; Enterobius vermicularis; E vermicularis; Helminthic infection
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPinworms are the most common worm infection in the United States. They are most common in school-age children.
Pinworm eggs are spread directly from person to person. They can also be spread by touching bedding, food, or other items contaminated with the eggs.
Typically, children are infected by unknowingly touching pinworm eggs and putting their fingers in their mouths. The eggs are swallowed, and eventually hatch in the small intestine. The worms mature in the colon.
Female worms then move to the child's anal area, especially at night, and deposit more eggs. This may cause intense itching. The area may even become infected. When the child scratches the itching anal area, the eggs can get under the child's fingernails. These eggs can be transferred to other children, family members, and items in the house.
SymptomsPinworms can be spotted in the anal area, especially at night when the worms lay their eggs there.
Your doctor may have you do a tape test. A piece of cellophane tape is pressed against the skin around the anus, and removed. This should be done in the morning before bathing or using the toilet, because bathing and wiping may remove eggs. The doctor will stick the tape to a slide and look for eggs using a microscope.
TreatmentThe main treatment is a single dose of either mebendazole or albendazole (anti-parasitic medication). These are available over-the-counter and by prescription.
More than one household member is likely to be infected, so the entire household is often treated. The single-dose treatment is often repeated after 2 weeks. This treats eggs that hatched since the first treatment.
To control the eggs:
Avoid scratching the infected area around the anus. This can contaminate your fingers and everything else that you touch afterwards.
Keep your hands and fingers away from your nose and mouth unless they are freshly washed. Carry out these measures while family members are being treated for pinworms.
Expectations (prognosis)Pinworm infection is fully treatable.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider if:
Wash hands after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Wash bedding and underclothing frequently, especially those of any affected family members.
a pinworm
Pinworm infection usually lasts one to two months
The scientific name for pinworm is Enterobius vermicularis.
The disease is transmitted by ingesting the eggs of the pinworm
Pinworm infection
Enterobiasis
flatworm
Stool
The disease is transmitted by ingesting the eggs of the pinworm
The disease is transmitted by ingesting the eggs of the pinworm
The disease is transmitted by ingesting the eggs of the pinworm
An accurate diagnosis of pinworm infection will require that either the eggs or the adult worms are detected