Pinworms are tiny parasitic worms that typically live in the intestines of humans. Children are particularly prone to pinworm infections through contact with items contaminated with pinworm eggs. Once ingested, the eggs hatch and the worms take up residence in the intestinal tract. While pinworms are usually not dangerous, they are annoying and uncomfortable and are simple to treat with medication.
Description
Pinworms,sometimes called threadworms, are tiny nematodes, with the scientific name Enterobius vermicularis. The worms are thin, about 1/2 inch in length and white in color. The worms live within the colon and rectum. At night, female worms leave the rectum through the anus and lay thousands of tiny eggs on the skin surrounding the anus.
Transmission
Pinworm eggs are easily spread by other children that are infected. Children typically pick up pinworm eggs by touching items contaminated with the eggs. This can include dirt, toys and other common items that have become contaminated. These eggs can survive for weeks and are so small that they are undetectable to the human eye. When the child places her hands or a contaminated object in her mouth, she swallows the eggs, which then pass through the digestive tract and hatch in the intestines.
Signs and Symptoms
If your child complains of severe itching around the perianal area, pinworms may be the problem. Other than this, most children are completely asymptomatic. You may also find pinworms in your child's stool or on their underwear, pajamas or bed clothing about two to three hours after they fall asleep.
Examination
If you suspect your child has pinworms, your doctor will do a tape test. The test is done first thing in the morning before bathing. In this test, your doctor presses a small piece of adhesive tape against the skin near your child's anus, then removes it. The tape is then sent to a laboratory for examination. During the exam, a medical technologist looks for the presence of pinworm eggs to verify the diagnosis.
Treatment
The MedlinePlus website indicates that complications from pinworm infestations are rare. Treatment involves taking an anthelminthic medication that will kill the worms and eggs. Your child will receive an initial dose to kill any live worms, then another dose two weeks later to kill any worms that were missed by the first dose. During this time, clothing, bedding and other items that your child comes in contact with should be handled carefully and cleaned thoroughly to avoid spreading the infection.
