Pinworms: A Scratch in Your Anus

Did you know that pinworms are one of the most common human parasitic infections? According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pinworms are twice as common as head lice.

Working in the health care industry and in an emergency room setting I often encounter children being brought in with the parents complaining that the child has severe itching of the anus. Usually the symptom of this anal itch occurs in the evening keeping the child awake so they are often brought into the emergency room during the night.

Enterobius vermicularis is the name of this human parasite which is more commonly known as pinworms or threadworm. It is a highly contagious intestinal worm and measures about a quarter inch to half an inch in length. These worms can exist year round, but they are especially prone to be found in warmer, moist climates.

It is a very easily transmitted infection and is most often found in children. It is caused by swallowing pinworm eggs and since children are constantly putting their fingers and other objects into their mouths it makes them more susceptible to developing pinworms. Eggs on contaminated fingers reenter through the mouth, but can remain viable for several days around the house. This is why hand washing is very crucial especially if pinworms are suspected.

Symptoms of a pinworm infection usually include frequent scratching of the anal area. These pinworms mostly live in the colon, however at night the females migrate down to the perianal area and lay eggs on the skin surrounding the anus. This is why most of the itching will develop at night. Other symptoms may include restlessness, unable to sit still in a chair, difficulty sleeping and maybe appetite loss however that is not very common.

At home the best way to check for pinworms is to check the child's stool for presence of any worms and to also look around the anal region in the middle of the night or very early in the morning. Inspect the area for any pinworms and their eggs. A flashlight may be used for better examination. It is also best to do this prior to the child bathing or using the toilet.

In the emergency room setting or at a physician's office the anus is inspected to rule out any other causes of anal itching. And then to look for pinworms directly the use of a tongue blade wrapped with the sticky side of cellophane tape is pressed on the surface of the perianal skin. This tape is then examined under the low power of the microscope for worms or eggs.

If pinworms are seen or even suspected then the child and family is treated with certain medications. There is an over the counter medication available as well. The treatment may be repeated in two weeks time if the symptoms do not resolve. It is important to know that this is not a dangerous infection and that it should be completely eradicated from the entire family after treatment.

Pinworms is an infection that can and does happen in even the cleanest of all environments, however childcare centers and other institutions may have a higher rate of frequency. Again it is very important to teach children and adults about hand washing especially after using the bathrooms. Stay pinworm free with good personal hygiene.

A basic fact sheet about pinworms can be found on cdc.gov website.

Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/pinworm/factsht_pinworm.htm