Pinworm Symptoms

Pinworm infection is a mild to severe irritation for anyone who contracts it. Pinworms are a form of roundworm and are highly contagious, especially in school and close quarters such as in a family. It is a common worm infection that any population can catch. There is medical help available to eradicate a pinworm infection.

Identification

The pinworm is a tiny white worm. It is .02 to .04 inches or about 5 to 10 mm in length. Adult pinworms are easily identified in the stools after a bowel movement. You will be infected when you ingest pinworm eggs that have been shed by a child or adult that has an infection. The microscopic eggs are swallowed and settle in the intestine until they hatch.

Symptoms

A mild infection of a few adult worms may go undetected. A moderate to severe infection can cause a great deal of discomfort. Female worms travel from the intestine to the anus where they in turn lay more eggs. There will be itching and discomfort in the anus and female vaginal area. Itching causes scratching that can dislodge the eggs. Activity is more prevalent at night. There will be restlessness, insomnia and irritability during an infection. There can be sporadic bouts of abdominal discomfort, pain and nausea as the infection becomes more active.

Causes

When a pinworm infection is active, there is a great deal of discomfort and itching as the worms travel, particularly in the anal area. When the area is scratched, the tiny eggs can get onto fingertips and under the nails. The eggs are then transferred to items that the fingers come in contact with--toilets, sinks, food, toys and other people. The eggs can survive for 2 to 3 weeks. When another person comes in contact with them and inhales the eggs or actually eats food contaminated with the eggs, the ingestion starts the process of the infection. You or your child can be reinfected if the current infection produces eggs that your mouth comes in contact with through food or some other carrier.

Geography

Pinworm infections are dominant in children. They are easily transferred to other members of the family or school classroom. The worms thrive in warm climates. The southern United States and countries with year-round warm temperatures have a higher incidence of pinworm infections.

Prevention/Solution

Children and adults need to be taught to keep their hands clean. As with any infection, it is important to wash the hands with soap and water. Clinging eggs must be washed away before hands touch a common towel, handles and surfaces in the bathroom. If an adult or child has been diagnosed with a pinworm infection, it is vital that they wash their hands thoroughly each time they use the bathroom facilities at school, work, while shopping and at home. Change into clean undergarments daily. Clean toilet seats 2 to 3 times a day with alcohol when someone in your home is infected. Launder the bedding, especially the sheets, of an infected person daily until the infection is cleared up. It is important that you keep your home and work area clean after a pinworm infection has been diagnosed, as the worms can live for several weeks on contact surfaces, re-contaminating anyone who touches the area.

Diagnosis

Testing for diagnosis is done by a doctor who takes scrapings of the anal skin or by application of a medical tape to take skin samples. The tissue is viewed under a microscope for diagnosis verification. Adult pinworms may also be seen on the underwear or in the toilet bowl as a means of identification. The doctor may determine that you need anti-parasite medication to clear up the infection. Medication will kill the adults, larvae and eggs.

Potential

A pinworm infection can lead to other serious conditions, including urinary tract infection. Females are susceptible to further complications with cystitis, vaginitis, bladder problems, endometritis and other problems. A pinworm infection can cause weight loss as the worms take nutrients from the body and cause stomach upset.