Pinworms are a type of parasite that infests the intestines, especially in children. They are more of a nuisance than a health problem. They are easy to get because they are transmitted so easily. The most common method of transmission is from under the fingernails. Contact is made with toilet seats, hand-to-hand, hand-to-mouth, swallowing microscopic eggs, or inhaling airborne eggs. The egg is ingested, hatch and grow in the small intestine, travel to the large intestine where they mature and mate. The female lays the eggs at the anus and the cycle repeats as the anus or bottom is scratched. Risk increases with warm climates and where there is close contact with large groups of people, (e.g. schools, day-cares, etc).

Symptoms may include:

• Painful itchy anus, especially at night
• Skin irritation
• In females, vaginal infestation is possible. Vaginal discharge may be present
• Restless sleep
• Possibly poor appetite

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose the problem by visually inspecting the anus and searching for adult worms (white, thread-like, about 1/2 inch long that moves)
• Obtain a sample of the eggs (by using a piece of tape applied to the anus) for microscopic study
• Prescribe anti-worm medication. Usually 1-2 doses are needed to kill all the worms and eggs. Treatment is most effective when the whole house and family are treated.

What you can do:

• Take the anti-worm medication for the whole family as prescribed by your doctor. This is usually done with one administration.
• Take extra-long showers on treatment day.
• Cut and clean all fingernails on the day you treat the whole house
• Treat the whole house on "treatment day" by washing all the sheets, blankets, towels, dirty clothes, and pajamas. Clean all toys, toilets, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen fixtures
• Wash hands after using the toilet and before meals
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Practice good personal hygiene, washing the genital and anal areas daily; and changing snug fitting cotton underwear daily
• Wash dishes in hot water

What you can expect:

• Unfortunately, re-infestation is common. It is usually due to a new infestation, not ineffective treatment.

Contact your doctor if the condition worsens or you suspect re-infestation. See your doctor in 2 weeks to make sure there are no new eggs (microscopic exam).

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620