Pinworms
Overview:
Also
known as threadworms, pinworms (Enterobius
vermicularis)
are a small,
threadlike worm of the colon and rectum.
Pinworms are most common in school aged
children, although any individual can become
infected with pinworms. Humans are the
only natural host for pinworms. They are the
most common parasitic worm to infect humans.
How do you become
infected with pinworms?
Infection occurs
when pinworm eggs (ova) are swallowed.
Once swallowed,
the eggs develop into larvae in the small
intestine, then move down to the large
intestine. The larvae mature in around 4 weeks &
a further 4 weeks to reach sexual maturity at
which time the male & female worms mate. After
mating, the male dies & the adult female then
migrates to anus where she emerges to lay
her eggs along with a sticky substance around
the surrounding skin. After laying the eggs the
female also dies.
A sticky substance
is secreted after the eggs have been The sticky
substance causes intense itching. The resulting
scratching leads to eggs being transferred to
the fingers & fingernails.
Other sources of
infection include;
-
Bedding
-
Toys
-
Clothing
-
Towels
-
Food
-
Food utensils
A single female
can lay over 10,000 eggs. Pinworm eggs can
survive for two weeks in the environment &
people can become infected by inhaling eggs in
dust, on sheets etc.
Pinworm
symptoms:
It is quite common
to experience no symptoms whatsoever. However,
typical symptoms of pinworms include;
-
Itching around the anus, especially at night.
-
Disturbed sleep.
-
Irritability &
behavioral changes.
-
You may also see the
worms around the anus. They are around 1cm long, white & thin.
-
You may see adult worms
in the feces.
-
Scratching may lead to
secondary bacterial infections.
Adult threadworms may on
rare occasions enter the vagina, leading to irritation & inflammation.
Diagnosis may be made
either by seeing adult worms around the anus or in the feces or detecting
worms or
eggs on the perianal skin
Pinworms
treatment:
You should consult
your doctor if you suspect you or a family
member has threadworms. They will either
recommend a prescription medication or an over
the counter medication from your pharmacist.
All members of the family should be treated at
the same time & a follow up dose will be
required approximately 2 weeks later.
Preventing
threadworm & re-infection:
If you or a family member
has pinworms you should prevent the spread of infection by;
-
Not sharing towels.
-
Washing hands & under the
finger nails thoroughly before eating, after going to the toilet & after
changing a nappy.
-
Changing underwear & night
clothes every day.
-
Changing bed sheets after each
treatment.
-
Keep fingernails short.
-
Daily bathing or showering.
-
Regularly disinfect your
toilet, toilet seat & toilet button.
