Pinworms are a type of roundworm that infects the large intestines and rectum. Some people may experience no symptoms associated with the pinworm infestation. Other people experience symptoms such as extreme anal itching, especially at night, from the female pinworms laying eggs in the area of the anus. It takes one to two months between the initial eggs enter the body until the female pinworms lay the eggs and cause the itching. Medications are available from a physician to treat the pinworm infection. This condition is common among children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Direct Contact
The eggs of the pinworms transfer from person to person, also called direct contact. Pinworm eggs are microscopic in size and the naked eye cannot see the eggs. An infected person can scratch the anal area and collect eggs on the hands or under the fingernails. Proper hand washing can get rid of the eggs, but if the hands are still contaminated, the eggs can transfer to another person. Workers who handle food without washing their hands can transfer the eggs to food. The person ingesting the food also ingests the pinworm eggs. People working with or living with affected individuals have a higher chance of contracting the eggs.
Indirect Contact with Eggs
The eggs can live outside of the body for up to two weeks, according to KidsHealth. The eggs can sit on clothing, sheets or other objects the infected person touches. After touching the same items, another person can transfer the eggs into her body by touching the mouth or nose. Washing the clothing and bedding of a person with pinworms helps decrease the spread of the worms. Frequently washing hands, especially before eating, helps decrease the chance of ingesting any of the eggs after contact.
Airborne Eggs
The pinworm eggs are so small, it's possible for them to become airborne. Shaking out linens or clothing with the eggs on it may cause the microscopic eggs to fly through the air. The eggs can then enter the body by breathing in air contaminated with the eggs, according to the CDC.
