Pinworm Facts

Pinworm infections occur worldwide, and are the most common worm infection in America. Anyone can develop a pinworm infection, but the condition is most common in children between the ages of five and 10. Pinworm infections spread most efficiently through close human-to-human contact, but are easily cured with proper treatment.

Lifecycle

• The life cycle of a pinworm begins when a pinworm egg is unknowingly ingested, then hatches inside the host. Over a few weeks, these eggs hatch and grow into adult pinworms. The adults then migrate to the area between the small and large intestine, mate, then the females travel to the rectum. Females lay eggs around the rim of the anus, usually at night. The host than inadvertently spreads these eggs by scratching the rectal area and touching other objects.

Symptoms

• Pinworms are characterized by several distinct symptoms, though not all people with pinworm infections see symptoms. The most common symptom of a pinworm infection is itching around the anus, though scratching can lead to a more severe bacterial infection. Rarely, pin worm infections in women can migrate to the reproductive tract, causing irritation in these areas.

Appearance

• Pinworms are visible to the naked eye and can sometimes be seen on the outside of an infected persons stool. Pinworms are light yellow or white, and they look similar to short pieces of fine thread. In cases where other members of the same family may also have an infection, a doctor may recommend everyone in the family go through treatment at the same time.

Treatment

• Treatment for pinworms is usually simple and effective. Most often, patients take ialbendazole

  in a single tablet, though a doctor administers different amounts according to age. Pinworm eggs can survive for several weeks, so a second dose taken weeks later prevents reinfection. Mebendazole is a less-common treatment for pinworm infections. Patients take it twice across several weeks.