Pinworms are more common than ever imagined. How to naturally get rid of them.
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How do Pinworm infections spread?
Threadworms spread when their eggs are swallowed. They lay eggs around your bottom (anus), which make it itchy. The eggs get stuck on your fingers when you scratch. They can then pass on to anything you touch, including: Eggs can pass to other people when they touch these surfaces and then touch their mouth.
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- Overview
- What do pinworms look like?
- What are the symptoms of a pinworm infection?
- What causes a pinworm infection?
- Are pinworms contagious?
- Who’s at risk for a pinworm infection?
- Is it possible to get pinworms from your pets?
- How is pinworm infection diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for a pinworm infection?
- Are home remedies effective against a pinworm infection?
The most common symptom of a pinworm infection is intense itching around the anus. Infections are contagious and can be prevented with handwashing and other hygiene practices.
A pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis, is one of the most common types of human intestinal worm infections in the United States. Pinworms are white, narrow worms that can range in size from 8 to 13 millimeters for females and 2 to 5 millimeters for males.
Pinworm infections can spread easily. They most commonly occur in school-aged children and people who live in close quarters (such as institutions). They also occur often in those who have regular, close contact with individuals in these groups.
Medication can effectively treat pinworm infections, though reinfection is possible. Serious complications and long-term health effects are rare.
Pinworms are tiny, parasitic nematodes that live in the intestines and lay eggs on the skin around the anus. They are named for the pin-like tail on the female worms.
The most common symptom of a pinworm infection is intense itching around the anus, but some individuals with pinworm infections may not experience any symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
•strong, frequent itching of the anal area
•restless sleep due to anal itching and discomfort
•pain, rash, or other skin irritation around the anus
•pinworms in your anal area
Pinworm infections are highly contagious. The infection cycle typically follows these steps:
1.An individual acquires an infection by ingesting or inhaling pinworm eggs. These microscopic eggs are usually deposited onto a surface by a person with the infection.
2.The eggs remain in the intestine until they hatch and mature.
3.Adult female pinworms move into the colon and exit the body through the anus at night. They lay eggs in the folds of skin around the anus and then return to the colon. These eggs often cause itching and irritation.
When the person with a pinworm infection scratches the affected area, the eggs transfer to the fingers and under the fingernails. The eggs can transfer to anything the person touches and survive on an indoor surface, such as fabric, for 2 to 3 weeks.
Surfaces that commonly host pinworms can include:
Pinworm infections are highly contagious, especially among people in close quarters. This can include:
•households
•dormitories
•institutions
•child care centers
•schools
Pinworm infections affect people of all ages and geographic regions. Since pinworm eggs are so small, it can be difficult to avoid individuals or areas with the infection.
While anyone can get a pinworm infection, the following groups can be more susceptible:
•children who attend day care, preschool, or elementary school
•children who suck their thumbs
•people who chew their fingernails
•individuals who live in crowded accommodations, such as institutions or dormitories
Only humans can get a pinworm infection. Cats, dogs, and other animals can’t acquire or transmit them. It’s not necessary to treat your pets for the infection, even if people in your household may have pinworms.
A tape test is the most reliable method for diagnosing a pinworm infection. This test involves pressing the sticky, adhesive side of clear cellophane tape against the skin around the anus.
Because pinworms often exit the anus while a person sleeps, people who suspect they have an infection should conduct a tape test immediately upon waking in the morning. Bathing or using the toilet can remove the eggs from your skin, so perform the test before you do anything else. If eggs are present, they should stick to the tape.
Take the tape to a doctor, who will examine it under a microscope to see if it contains pinworm eggs.
The CDC recommends conducting a tape test on at least three consecutive mornings to increase your likelihood of finding the eggs.
Medication
You can treat pinworm infections with either over-the-counter or prescription oral medications. Talk with a doctor to determine which is best for you. Since pinworms easily pass from one person to another, all household members of a person with an infection — as well as caregivers and anyone else in close contact — will likely need treatment to prevent a pinworm infection or reinfection. The most common and effective medications to treat pinworm infections include: •mebendazole (Vermox) •albendazole (Albenza) •pyrantel pamoate (Reese’s Pinworm Medicine) One course of medication usually involves an initial dose followed by a second dose 2 to 3 weeks later. More than one course might be necessary to fully eliminate the eggs. Creams or ointments can help soothe itchy skin.
Household cleaning
In addition to medication, a hygiene and household cleaning regimen such as the following can help you remove pinworm eggs: •Ensure the person with the infection and other household members thoroughly wash their hands with soap and warm water — especially before eating. •Encourage household members to shower and change their underwear every morning. •Maintain clean, short fingernails. •Avoid biting your nails, if you can. •Tell the person with the infection to avoid scratching the anal area, if possible. •Use hot water to launder all bedding, towels, washcloths, and clothing. Dry on high heat. •Avoid shaking clothing and bedding to keep pinworm eggs from spreading through the air. •Do not allow children to bathe together, as pinworm eggs can potentially spread in bath water and on washcloths. •Thoroughly clean any surfaces that might have eggs, such as toys, floors, countertops, and toilet seats. •Carefully vacuum all carpeted areas.
No recent scientific studies show that home remedies for pinworm infections are effective, but anecdotal evidence suggests you may find relief with raw garlic, raw carrots, or coconut oil.
Jun 4, 2022 · Risk factors for pinworm infection include: Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2. Living in crowded spaces.
Sep 2, 2022 · A pinworm infection is an intestinal illness that’s very common in elementary school-aged children. ... Are they contagious? Yes. It’s very easy to spread a pinworm infection. ...
Jul 12, 2024 · People of all ages can become infected with pinworms. Still, pinworm infections are most common in children, especially between ages 4 to 11. Rarely, adults get pinworms. Caregivers and family members of infected children have a higher risk of infection. Pinworm infections pass easily from person to person in places where children are in close ...
Sep 9, 2024 · Overview. Pinworms are a type of parasitic roundworm that can infect your intestines. Parasites are organisms (a living thing) that lives on or inside another organism. Pinworm infection causes itching around the anus (butthole). Anyone can get a pinworm infection, but it usually affects children, people living with or caring for children, and ...
Feb 20, 2024 · Treatment and recovery. The medications used for the treatment of pinworm are either mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole. Pyrantel pamoate is available without prescription. Treatment involves two doses of medication with the second dose given two weeks after the first dose. The medications kill worms but cannot kill eggs.
