Pinworms

Overview

Pinworms are short white worms with a very long name: Enterobius vermicularis. (EN-ter-O-be-us ver-MIK-u-lar-is). They live in the intestines of humans and are more common than most people would imagine infecting about half of all pre-schoolers and school-age children. Adults may also get pinworms especially mothers of infected children. Pinworms are easily killed with over-the-counter or prescription medicines.

Symptoms

Many infected people have no symptoms at all. When there are symptoms they usually include itching around the anus and perhaps irritability. If there are lots of pinworms symptoms may also include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty sleeping

Causes

A pinworm infection occurs when female worms leave the rectum or colon through the anus and deposit eggs on the surrounding skin. They can be picked up from others by accidentally swallowing the eggs from contaminated fingers or surfaces such as clothing bedding doorknobs faucets and furniture where they can survive for up to two weeks. Outbreaks often begin at child care centres and schools or camps.

Treatment

If your doctor suspects pinworm infection he may have you do the so-called "scotch tape test". A lab provides you with a strip of transparent adhesive tape that is applied to the anal region. If eggs are present they'll stick to the tape and a technician will be able to see them on a slide under a microscope. This test should be done first thing in the morning before you go to the bathroom or have a bath or shower.

If the results come back positive your doctor will either suggest medication that you can purchase over-the-counter or he will prescribe something for you. Medicines such as mebendazole and pyrantel pamoate are the most useful in treating pinworm infections.

You normally take one dose immediately and the other two weeks later. Your doctor will give you proper instructions. To relieve intense itching that often accompanies pinworm infection your doctor may also suggest a soothing ointment or cream.Other family members should be treated as well regardless of whether they have symptoms to ensure the infection doesn't continue to spread.

Children may return to day care after the first treatment dose after bathing and after trimming and scrubbing their nails.

Prevention

  • Bathe when you wake up to help reduce the egg contamination.
  • Change and wash your underwear each day.
  • Change underwear night clothes and sheets after each treatment.
  • Because the eggs are sensitive to sunlight open blinds or curtains in bedrooms during the day.
  • Personal hygiene should include washing hands after going to the toilet before eating and after changing diapers.
  • Trim fingernails short.
  • Discourage nail-biting and scratching bare anal areas.