Verified By Apollo Hospitals October 1, 2024
A pinworm infection is an infection of the large intestine caused by a small white parasite. The medical term for the parasite is Enterobius vermicularis, but it is commonly referred to as pinworm. These pinworms are tiny, narrow worms white in color and less than half an inch in length. Pinworms, like other parasitic infections, survive by feeding off the host. Hence, they depend on their host for nutrition.
Although any age group can be affected, the ones most susceptible to a pinworm infection are:
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The symptoms of pinworm infection include:
Pinworm infections spread easily from one person to another. A person becomes infected by unintentionally ingesting or inhaling pinworm eggs. Since pinworm eggs are microscopic, it is impossible to distinguish between healthy and infected individuals.
Once swallowed, eggs hatch inside the intestines and mature into adult worms in few weeks
Female pinworms move to the anal region to lay their eggs which results often in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy anal region, eggs cling to the fingers and get under the fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces like toys, bedding or toilet seats
When an infected person touches household items such as bedding, clothing, toilet seats, or toys, the eggs are transferred to these objects
Children transfer pinworm eggs easily because they have a tendency to put their fingers or objects into their mouths
Consult your doctor if you experience severe anal itching, especially at night.
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The following are certain prevention measures:
The medication to get rid of pinworms include:
Pinworm infections are usually treated by three doses of medication, each three weeks apart.
Since pinworms are highly contagious, everyone in the household of an infected person is required to take treatment at the same time to prevent reinfection. Caregivers and others who have close personal contact with the individual should also receive treatment.
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No, pinworms do not affect animals. They have only one host, humans.
If the child has undergone and completed the treatment for pinworm infections, he or she can start attending school again. However, they need to be kept back if they are suffering from loose bowel movements.
No, pinworms do not go away on their own, and treatment must be taken to get rid of them. People do not grow immune to pinworm infections.