The pinworm is a white worm that infects the intestines and causes itching around the anus. Known also as threadworms and enterobiasis, pinworms are one of the most common type of worm infections in the United States, particularly among children and people living close together. It isn't dangerous to be infected with pinworms, but they can cause discomfort and discomfort. What you need to know about pinworms: how they are transmitted, how they are diagnosed, how they are treated, and how they can be prevented.
A pinworm can be transmitted by ingesting or inhaling the microscopic eggs, which can be found on many surfaces. The eggs can survive outside of the body for 2 to 3 weeks. The most common way to get a pinworm is to touch something that has pinworm eggs on it, such as:
Bedding, clothing, or towels of an infected person.
Toys, furniture, or carpets that an infected person has touched.
Food or drinks that have been contaminated by an infected person’s hands or saliva.
Dust or air that contains pinworm eggs.
The eggs travel through the digestive system and hatch in the small intestine. The adult female pinworms then move to the large intestine and leave the body at night through the anus. Their eggs are laid on the skin around the anus, which causes itching and irritation. They can be transferred to fingers and nails if the infected person scratches the area, and the cycle continues.
It is possible to diagnose pinworms by finding their eggs or worms in the stool or around the anus. In the morning, before bathing or using the toilet, a clear piece of tape is placed over the anus to diagnose pinworms. In order to detect pinworms or their eggs, the tape is examined under a microscope. The worms can also be seen with the naked eye in the underwear or stool of the infected person when you use a moistened cotton swab to collect a sample from the anal area.
Treatment for pinworms involves taking antiparasitic medications that kill the worms and prevent them from laying eggs. The most common medications are mebendazole and albendazole, which are usually taken orally in two doses spaced two weeks apart. In order to prevent reinfection, all members of the household should take the medication, even if they do not experience symptoms. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver problems, you should consult your doctor before taking the medication. It may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, or dizziness.
To eliminate the pinworm eggs and prevent them from spreading, you should practice good hygiene and sanitation in addition to taking medication. Some steps you can take include:
Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, after using the toilet, and after touching anything that may have pinworm eggs on it.
Keep your fingernails short and clean, and avoid biting or scratching them.
Change your underwear, pajamas, and bedding every day, and wash them in hot water and dry them in high heat.
Vacuum and dust your house regularly, and disinfect the surfaces that may have pinworm eggs on them, such as toilets, sinks, faucets, doorknobs, and toys.
Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, clothes, or brushes, with anyone who has pinworms.
Shower or bathe every morning, and wash the anal area well.
You can prevent pinworms by following the same hygiene and sanitation measures used to treat them. You should also avoid contact with anyone who has pinworms until they are treated. If you or your child has pinworms, you should tell your doctor, school, or daycare, and follow their instructions. While pinworms are not a serious health problem, they can be bothersome and unpleasant. When you take the right steps, you can get rid of them and prevent their return.
