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Pinworms

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Pinworm eggs
Pinworm eggs
Pinworm, close-up of the head
Pinworm, close-up of the head
Pinworms
Pinworms

Alternative Names    Return to top

Enterobiasis; Oxyuriasis; Threadworm; Seatworm; Enterobius vermicularis; E vermicularis; Helminthic infection

Definition    Return to top

Pinworms are small worms that infect the intestines.

Causes    Return to top

Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the United States. They are most common in school-age children.

Pinworm eggs are spread directly from person to person. They can also be spread by touching bedding, food, or other items contaminated with the eggs.

Typically, children are infected by unknowingly touching pinworm eggs and putting their fingers in their mouths. The eggs are swallowed, and eventually hatch in the small intestine. The worms mature in the colon.

Female worms then move to the child's anal area, especially at night, and deposit more eggs. This may cause intense itching. The area may even become infected. When the child scratches the itching anal area, the eggs can get under the child's fingernails. These eggs can be transferred to other children, family members, and items in the house.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Pinworms can be spotted in the anal area, especially at night when the worms lay their eggs there.

Your doctor may have you do a tape test. A piece of cellophane tape is pressed against the skin around the anus, and removed. This should be done in the morning before bathing or using the toilet, because bathing and wiping may remove eggs. The doctor will stick the tape to a slide and look for eggs using a microscope.

Treatment    Return to top

The main treatment is a single dose of either mebendazole or albendazole (anti-parasitic medication). These are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

More than one household member is likely to be infected, so the entire household is often treated. The single-dose treatment is often repeated after 2 weeks. This treats eggs that hatched since the first treatment.

To control the eggs:

Avoid scratching the infected area around the anus. This can contaminate your fingers and everything else that you touch afterwards.

Keep your hands and fingers away from your nose and mouth unless they are freshly washed. Carry out these measures while family members are being treated for pinworms.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Pinworm infection is fully treatable.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

Prevention    Return to top

Wash hands after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Wash bedding and underclothing frequently, especially those of any affected family members.

Update Date: 8/1/2008

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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