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Pinworms
Medical Questions » Pinworms
| Name: Pinworms |
| Also known as: Enterobiasis; Threadworms |
| Infestation of the gut by the pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis). |
Causes of Pinworms
1cm long, the pinworm lives in the large intestine, but migrates to around the anus to lay eggs, from where they may be transferred to the fingers during wiping or scratching, and then re-enter the original patient' s mouth or pass to another person, where the cycle starts again. The worm dies after depositing the eggs and passes out with the faeces, where they may sometimes be seen. The eggs can survive for up to three weeks outside the body. Children are the most commonly affected group, and they spread the infestation to others by poor personal hygiene. It is very easy for all the members of one family to be affected. |
Symptoms of Pinworms
Most patients have no symptoms but some will experience anal itching at night, mild diarrhoea and minor abdominal pains. |
Tests for Pinworms
Diagnosed by microscopically examining the faeces for the presence of worms or eggs. |
Treatment for Pinworms
Treatment should involve all members of the patient' s immediate family. A number of anthelmintic medications can be used to kill the worms. Good hygiene involves careful hand-washing after going to the toilet and not scratching the anus. If the patient does not reinfected themselves the worms will die out in six to seven weeks.
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Complications of Pinworms of its treatment
In rare cases the worms may migrate to the vagina and urethra of women and girls. |
Likely Outcome of Pinworms
Virtually all patients will recover with time and good personal hygiene. |
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