Signs of Pinworms

Pinworms

Description

Small parasites that live in the intestine and crawl out of the anus to lay eggs on the skin around the rectum. Pinworm infection is the most common type of roundworm infection in the United States. Many times other household members will be infected. Preventing spread of the infection can be done by cleaning the toilet seats, keeping fingernails short, washing bed sheets and using good hygiene techniques. The infection is most commonly seen in school aged children. Infection typically occurs when patients unknowingly touch pinworm eggs and then touch their mouth ingesting the eggs.

Symptoms

Itching around the rectum (can be intense), vaginal itching, sleeping problems, irritability and restlessness, intermittent abdominal pain, nausea.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. The cellophane tape test consists of placing a piece of tape on the skin around the rectum and look for pinworms or the eggs of the pinworm using a microscope.This test is best done first thing in the morning before going to the bathroom since the adult pinworms crawl out of the anus to lay eggs during the night.

Treatment

Anti-parasite (anti-helminthic) medications are used to treat pinworm infection. The most common anti-parasite medications for pinworms are: albendazole (Albenza), mebendazole (Ovex, Vermox) and pyrantel (Pin-X). Family members may also need to be treated. Preventative measures such as those described in the description section will prevent re-infection.