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PINWORMS

A pinworm is a white, very thin worm about ½ inch long that moves. If it doesn’t move, it’s probably lint or a piece of thread. Pinworms usually are seen in the rectal area, especially at night or early in the morning. Occasionally, one is found on the surface of a bowel movement. More than 10% of children have them. They do not cause any serious health problems; but they can cause considerable itching and irritations of the rectal, buttocks and vaginal regions.

Humans are infected by swallowing pinworm eggs that are usually carried on fingernails, clothing, bedding or house dust. The eggs hatch in the intestine and mature into adult worms. At night, the female worms come out of the rectum and lay eggs along the buttocks. The itching during the egg laying causes scratching. Eggs carried underneath the fingernails are then spread directly to the individual or to the environment to infect others. The peak age for infestations is from 5-14 years of age. The diagnosis of pinworm infestation is made by direct observation of the worm.

If your child has rectal itching but you do not see the worm, call the laboratory during office hours and arrange to obtain a pinworm test. Instructions will be given to you by lab personnel. Treatment is available and once the diagnosis is established, our office can help. Pinworm infestation is not an emergency, so please call our office during regular hours.

Infection is caused by swallowing pinworm eggs. Your children can get pinworms no matter how carefully you keep them and your house clean. The following hygiene measures, however, can help to reduce the chances of reinfestation of your child or new infestations in other people:

• Have your child scrub his hands and fingernails thoroughly before each meal and after each use of the toilet. Keep the fingernails cut short because eggs can collect there. Thumb sucking and nail biting should be discouraged.
• Vacuum or wet mop your child’s entire room once a week because any eggs scattered on the floor are infectious for 1-2 weeks.
• Machine washing at regular temperature will kill any eggs present in clothing or bedding.

This advice on pinworms is presented as general information and is not meant to be specific treatment for your child’s problem. If you need further assistance, call 855-9160 during regular office hours to speak with one of our Health Information Nurses.