Pinworms, or Enterobius vermicularis, are small, white roundworms that live in the rectum and colon of humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and institutionalized persons are at greatest risk of developing a pinworm infection. Pinworms may cause intense itching in the anal region, especially at night. Pinworm infections are easily treated and rarely lead to serious complications. However, the infection may recur without proper treatment and hygiene practices.
Significance
Pinworm infections occur around the globe, affecting people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status. The National Institutes of Health states that pinworms are the most common type of worm infection in the United States, affecting an estimated 40 million people each year. Infection typically takes place when a person swallows pinworm eggs that are on clothing or bedding or are under the fingernails. Rarely, pinworms eggs may be ingested during breathing if they become airborne.
Symptoms
Often, the only symptom of a pinworm infection is itching near the anus. This symptom is most severe at night, when the female pinworm leaves the intestines through the rectum and anus to lay her eggs on surrounding skin tissue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some people may experience no symptoms of pinworm infection at all. Severe infections may result in sleep deprivation, loss of appetite, weight loss or vaginal irritation if adult worms migrate to the vagina from the anus.
Diagnosis
Nighttime anal itching strongly suggests a pinworm infection, but diagnosis can only be confirmed with the worm or its eggs are identified. A quick examination of the perianal region a few hours after falling asleep will usually reveal live worms near the anus or on underclothing. Pinworm eggs may be collected and examined under a microscope. If a pinworm infection is suspected, your doctor may instruct you to press a piece of cellophane tape against the skin before bathing or using the toilet in the morning. Pinworm eggs will stick to the tape and can then be transported to your doctor's office for examination.
Treatment
Treatment of pinworms involves the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications, such as mebendazole, pyrantel or albendazole. Two doses of medication are required, with the second dose following two weeks behind the first. Other members of the household should be treated along with the infected person to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Bedding, clothing, towels and underclothing should be washed in the hottest water possible in order to destroy any remaining pinworm eggs. Pinworm eggs may survive for as long as three weeks on bedding and clothing, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Considerations
Pinworm reinfection is likely, especially when the infection occurs in young children who do not follow hand washing and hygiene guidelines. When infection continues to recur despite treatment, the source of the pinworms must be identified. Care must be taken to prevent scratching, as broken skin in the perianal area is very vulnerable to bacterial infection. Other potential complications include pelvic inflammatory disease and vaginitis, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Tags: pinworm infection, According Centers, According Centers Disease, Centers Disease, Centers Disease Control, Control Prevention, Disease Control