Overview
Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection that affects children more than adults.
Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 6 to 13 millimetres in length. It is also called Enterobius Vermicularis or threadworm.
The infection causes perianal itching and itching over the vagina, leading to vaginitis, disturbed sleeping patterns and restlessness. The infected person can suffer intense itching at night.
Pinworm eggs spread via the faecal-oral route, which means the infected eggs can quickly spread from anus to mouth through linen, nails, beddings, scratching the anus, etc.
Pinworm infection can be treated through oral medications and by maintaining healthy hygiene. However, reinfection is possible. It is better to treat the entire family.
Symptoms of Pinworm Infections
Intense itching around the anus is the most common symptom of pinworm infection. However, some people may not experience any symptoms. Here are symptoms listed below.
- Intense and frequent itching of the anal or vaginal area
- Disturbed sleep pattern due to itching
- Rashes or irritation around the anus skin
- Teeth grinding
- Stomach Pain
- Nausea
- Pinworms in your stool.
Causes of Pinworm Infections
Pinworm infections are highly contagious. They often occur when a person accidentally breathes or swallows pinworm eggs.
It is highly contagious, and the eggs can be carried to your mouth through your fingers, food or drinks. Once the person swallows the egg, it hatches in the intestines and develops into adult worms.
The male and female pinworms mate in the small intestine, the ileum, after which the male dies and gets excreted via stools.
They lay the eggs as it migrates toward the colon, after which it moves to the anus to acquire oxygen for egg maturation. The female dies after laying the eggs.
When a person scratches the itchy area, the eggs transfer to fingernails and are transmitted to surfaces such as toys, toilet seats, bedding linen, food or other people. Pinworm eggs can live for about two to three weeks on surfaces.
These eggs become infective within a few hours and can stay alive for up to 3 weeks. Very rarely, due to the small size of the eggs, they can be airborne and inhaled while breathing.
Risk factors of Pinworm infection
- Pinworm infections are most common among children aged 5 to 10 years. They can quickly spread the infection to their classmates, family, caregivers etc.
- Small children who suck their thumbs.
- Pinworm infections can spread through the usage of common toilets as they are transmitted through toilet seats.
- Chewing fingernails may also cause infections.
- People living in dormitories or crowded places are prone to these infections.
Pinworm infection Complications
Pinworm infections don’t cause severe problems, but in rare cases, a heavy infestation can cause infection in the female genitals.
The parasite travels from the anal area to the vagina and then to the uterus, fallopian tubes and pelvic organs. This causes inflammation of the vagina and inflammation in the uterus.
Here are some complications of pinworm infections.
- Urinary tract infections
- Infection of the peritoneal cavity
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pinworm infections
Medication and household cleaning may help in preventing infection transmission.
Medication
One can treat pinworm infections with over-the-counter or prescribed oral medications. It is best to consult your health care provider to treat the infection and prevent reinfection.
Pinworms pass from one person to another, and all family members quickly contract the infections. It is essential to treat the entire family to prevent reinfection.
These are common drugs used to treat the pinworm infections
- Mebendazole
- Albendazole
- Pyrantel Pamoate
Your healthcare professional may prescribe creams or ointments to soothe your itchy skin.
Family Hygiene
Household cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent pinworm eggs transmission and contamination.
- Ensure the infected person and other family members wash their hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilets.
- Encourage personal hygiene of family members by asking them to shower and change their undergarments every morning.
- Avoid biting or chewing nails.
- Educate and promote personal hygiene among children.
- Avoid scratching the anal area, which is the primary source of spreading infection.
- Launder your clothes, bedding and towels using hot water and dry them in the sunlight.
- Always avoid sharing clothes and bedding to keep pinworm eggs from spreading through the air.
- Clean your houses (floors, toys, toilet seats) regularly to prevent contamination of eggs and reinfection.
Prevention and safety measures
Pinworm eggs have the potential to survive on toys, toilet seats, bedding etc., for two weeks. Regular cleaning of surfaces and following clean, healthy hygiene will help to prevent pinworm infections.
- At night female pinworms are more active and lay eggs in the anal area. Washing the anal surface in the morning is recommended.
- To remove eggs, change your undergarments and bedding daily.
- Wash your bedsheets, pyjamas, underwear, towels and clothes in hot water to destroy pinworm eggs.
- Avoid biting or chewing nails.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Don’t scratch your anal area as it promotes egg transmissions.
When to see a doctor?
If you have severe anal itching or irritation, especially at night, you must consult your doctor.
Summary
One can prevent pinworm infections by maintaining personal hygiene. Pinworm infections can spread through close contact with the infected person, so always wash your hands after using the toilets and before eating.
FAQ
What causes you to get a pinworm infection?
Who is at risk for pinworm infection?
2· Chewing fingernails may also cause infections.
3· People living in dormitories or crowded places are prone to these infections.
