About this topic
Pinworm infection is also known as a threadworm. The tiny worms live in your bowels. They lay eggs in the area around your anus. The itching may be so bad you have problems sleeping. This infection is common among school-age children. The infection is easily passed from one person to another. This happens when you touch something with the eggs on it or an infected area and then put your hands in your mouth. Biting your nails after touching these areas can also pass the eggs into your mouth. Each person in the household should be treated if one person has this infection. ‚
What are the causes?
The medical name for pinworms is Enterobius vermicularis. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
This infection can affect anyone. It is more common in school-aged and preschool-aged children. It is also common in people who are in nursing homes or hospitals. People who care for someone with a pinworm infection are also at a higher risk of getting this infection. You are at a higher risk if you bite your nails or suck your fingers. Poor personal hygiene also raises your risk. So does living in a place with a moderate climate. ‚
What are the main signs?
You may not have any signs of this infection. This is why it is important for everyone in the household to be treated. Signs of a mild infection may include: ‚
- Anal itching. This may be worse at night and you may have problems sleeping because of the itch. The area around your anus may become irritated from itching.
- Belly pain
- Upset stomach
If the infection is not treated you may have more severe signs like: ‚
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness
- Infection of the female genitals
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may take tissue samples from under your fingernails. The doctor may also ask you to do a tape test. You would place a piece of clear tape on the skin around your anus. You would take it out, put the tape in a container, and send it to the doctor for testing. Talk with your doctor to be sure you understand how to do this test. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will give you a drug to kill the adult worms. You will take more of this drug again after 2 weeks. This will kill any worms that have hatched. Your doctor may also suggest that all other people in the house are treated at the same time. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Kill the adult worms
- Ease anal itching
What problems could happen?
- Infection of the female genitals
- Weight loss
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- Always wash your hands after going to the toilet or changing diapers, and before eating.
- Teach children to keep their hands out of their mouth.
- Take a bath each day.
- Avoid biting your nails. Keep your nails trimmed and short.
- Avoid scratching your anal area.
- Change clothes and underpants often.
- Change underclothing, pajamas, towels, and bedding often.
- Wash clothing, washcloths and bedding in hot water.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/pinworm/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/pinworm.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/747/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚