Pinworms

The most common parasitic infection in the United States (known medically as enterobiasis). The human pinworm lives only in the intestine. While not technically a worm, it looks like one. The female pinworm is white, about a third of an inch long. Pinworms lay eggs in the skin around the anus. When a child scratches the area, the eggs are transferred directly by the fingers to the mouth, causing reinfestation. The eggs also may be carried on toys or blankets to other children. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines, where they grow and reach maturity in about six weeks. Animal pinworms do not infect humans.

Symptoms
Pinworms cause tickling or itching in the anal region at night. Despite common folklore, pinworms do not cause teeth grinding, BED-WETTING, stomachaches, weight loss, poor appetite, nor APPENDICITIS. In fact, pinworms do not cause much harm, but they do itch quite a lot.

Diagnosis
A doctor can pick up some of the eggs from the patient’s anal area via sticky tape; they can then be identified under a microscope.

Treatment
Ointment or carbolated petroleum jelly can relieve the itch, as can a sitz bath followed by cleaning with witch hazel around the anal area. A deworming drug (pyrantel pamoate) will kill the worm; mebendazole is the alternative for children over age two. In order to kill the newly hatched adults, it is best to repeat the treatment in two weeks. All members of the household should be treated, whether or not they have symptoms. Bed linens of the affected child should be changed daily without shaking.

Complications
In rare cases, pinworms migrate into the vagina or bladder, leading to cystitis or infection of the fallopian tubes. Severe infestations can interfere with sleep or cause a secondary bacterial infection because of constant scratching.

Prevention
In order to prevent reinfection, all family members should be treated and bathed frequently. Everyone should wear pajamas to limit the number of eggs on bed sheets, and all bed linens and clothing should be washed in hot water to kill the eggs. All sleeping areas should be vacuumed daily for a week after treatment.