Pinworms are small, white roundworms that infect the intestines and rectum. They enter the body through eating foods with the pinworm eggs or by coming in contact with the eggs and not washing well before eating or touching other body parts, such as the mouth. Because the eggs are microscopic, they can become airborne and a person can inhale the eggs while breathing. Once the eggs enter the body, the worms hatch in the intestines. Female worms lay eggs in the skin surrounding the anus. The symptoms of a pinworm infection may vary between people, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Itching
When the female pinworms lay eggs, they travel to the anus and place them on the surrounding skin. This creates an extreme itch in the anal area, especially at night.
Difficulty Sleeping
The anal itching increases at night and may cause enough distress to alter sleep, according to Medline Plus.The urge to itch may create feelings of restlessness. Falling asleep or staying asleep may be difficult due to the urge to scratch.
Skin Irritation
The eggs on the skin's surface and scratching the skin may cause irritation. Skin may become reddened. The surface of the vagina may also feel irritated due to the migrating pinworms.
Infection
Pinworms can leave the intestines and move to other areas of the body. This happens most often for females. Pinworms enter the vagina and move up into the organs in the pelvis; they may also enter the urethra and infect the bladder. Symptoms of an infection in the urinary tract include pain while urinating and an increase in the frequency and urgency of needing to urinate. Symptoms of an infection in the vagina include a foul odor and abnormal vagina discharge. An infection involving the pelvic organs includes pain in the pelvis and vaginal discharge.
Abdominal Pain
Large amounts of adult worms living in the intestines may cause abdominal pain.
Loss of Appetite
The pain of pinworms can cause a loss of appetite and weight loss. This symptom is most common for people with severe infections.
Worms in Stool
The pinworm eggs are microscopic, but the worms can be seen in stool. Pinworms are white and look similar to a piece of rice. The worms may also be seen around the anus at nighttime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
