Pinworms

Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection around the world, and it mostly affects children, and it usually doesn’t cause serious complications.

Pinworms

Pinworms, or threadworms, are parasitic worms with a white or light gray color and are small and thin (1/4-1/2 inch, or 0.6-1.2 cm).

Anybody can get infected with pinworms, but they are more common in children between the ages of 4 and 11.

Causes of pinworms

• Pinworms are transferred by swallowing the threadworm’s eggs, which spread through stool. A person can get these eggs by consuming contaminated food or drink or not washing the hands properly.
• Threadworm eggs can live outdoors for 2-3 weeks, and once they enter the body, they go to the small intestines, and the female pinworms lay their eggs in the anal area.
• When scratching the itchy area, the fingers become contaminated, and when not washed, they can contaminate anything they touch.

Symptoms of pinworms

• Anal itchiness, especially at night.
• Vaginal itchiness.
• Insomnia.
• Mood swings.
• Upset stomach.
• Vomiting sometimes.
• Grinding the teeth.
• Bedwetting.
• In rare cases, pinworm infection may cause a urinary tract infection, an infection of the female genitalia, weight loss, and an infection in the peritoneal cavity.

Diagnosis of pinworms

• Physical exam.
• Asking about the symptoms.

Treatment of pinworms

• Anti-parasitic medication.
• The pinworm infection can be prevented by washing the hands frequently, changing the underwear daily, washing the clothes properly, cleaning the things that are used a lot regularly, and not scratching the itchy area.