How to Identify Symptoms of Pinworms

While no parent wants to think their child has pinworms, it is important for them to be able to identify symptoms of pinworms in order to initiate fast, effective treatment. Pinworms are an intestinal infestation that commonly occur among children and toddlers. While not particularly dangerous to children, the condition is contagious, and early identification will help prevent spread to other family members or children. Pinworms are around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length and travel from the large intestine to the rectal area, where they cause intense itching and discomfort. Easily spread through casual contact, they are easily treated through medications that kill them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-pinworm medication
• Anti-itch cream

1. Watch for signs of your child itching his or her anal area. This is one of the major indications of a pinworm infestation. The area may be reddened due to scratching.

2. Pay attention to your child's sleeping habits. Is he more restless than usual? Pinworms cause restless sleep due to painful skin irritation around the anal area.

3. Watch for signs of redness around the genital areas of girls, as pinworms may migrate from eggs laid around the anal area to other areas of the genital area.

4. Look for evidence of pinworms. They look like thin strings that are yellowish or white in color that may often be seen in a child's bowel movement. Sometimes, they may even be spotted around the anal area at night through the use of a flashlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Pinworm infestations are treated with medication such as a two-dose anti-worm drug and will go away within two weeks after beginning of treatment. Upon discovery, wash all bedding, clothing and towels in contact with the child. Keep fingernails of all family members clean and cut short to help contain spread.
• If child complains of intense itching after treatment has begun, encourage child not to itch and to keep fingers away from mouth and nose. Parents may apply nonprescription lotions or creams to anal area to help relieve symptoms.

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