Pinworm Disease

Pinworm disease is a parasitic infection that occurs when pinworms or pinworm eggs are ingested. Symptoms of the disease are mild to non-existent, with the biggest complaint being anal itching. Pinworm disease is the most common type of worm-related infection in the United States and is prevalent around the world. School-age children have the highest risk of contracting pinworm disease, although the condition is easily treatable.

Causes

• A pinworm, also known as a threadworm, is a small worm that sometimes lives in the intestines and rectums of people. When pinworms infest a human body, this condition is known as pinworm disease. Pinworms are white roundworms that are approximately the size of a staple when fully grown. Since they are so small, they can be easily transported under fingernails. If pinworms are accidentally ingested, they will live inside the small intestine. Female pinworms will sometimes lay eggs on the skin surrounding the anus.

Symptoms

• Not everyone with pinworm disease will experience symptoms. Those with very mild cases may not be aware there is a problem. The most common sign of pinworm disease is extreme anal itching. This itching can feel worse at night, as that is when female pinworms lay their eggs. Infected people with noticeable anal itching may experience difficulty sleeping. This, in turn, can lead to irritability and unrest during the daytime. Women with pinworm disease may notice itching in the vagina, as well.

Treatment

• Pinworm disease can be easily treated with an oral medication, as well as some strict hygiene routines. The medication is available via prescription or over the counter. A supervising physician will advise which medication is appropriate for the case. One round of medication should be taken and followed up with another dose two weeks later. Until the treatment is complete, a morning bath should be taken every day and household linens should be regularly cleaned in hot water. Those in close contact with the patient should undergo the treatment at the same times, as the condition is very contagious.

Who is at Risk?

• Children are at the highest risk of contracting pinworm disease, as they often put dirty fingers in their mouths and share contagious diseases with other children at school or daycare. Adult caregivers of children with pinworm disease are also at risk and should undergo treatment at the same time. Institutionalized people are in a high-risk category, as well, since the disease spreads quickly among people in close quarters.

Prevention

• The best prevention of pinworm disease is practicing good hygiene. Hands should always be washed before and after eating, after using the restroom and after changing a diaper. It is important to instill this hand-washing routine in school-age children, as they are the most likely to contract and spread the disease.