Pinworms
by jmmillerPinworm is an intestinal parasite infection commonly found in children. A worm called Enterobius Vernicularis causes the Pinworm infection. This worm is the most prevalent in
school-aged children.
Pinworm only thrives in humans and is transmitted from person to person by the ingestion of their eggs. They can also be transferred through infected bedding.
After the ingestion of the eggs, larvae soon hatch in the small intestine. The worms then mature in the colon. The female worms migrate to the anal area to deposit their eggs (this usually occurs at night). This can cause itching and some infection in your child’s
affected area.
Some symptoms of Pinworm include:
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intense itching around the anus
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irritability from the itching that occurs
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insomnia due to the itching and the migration of the female worm
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loss of appetite and weight loss (this is usually uncommon but may occur in a severe case)
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vaginal irritation due to the worm entering the vagina instead of the anus
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irritation of skin around the anus
To detect the presence of pinworm in your child, a simple (but seeemingly crude) test is performed. A piece of cellophane tape is pressed against the skin around the anus;
this is usually done in the morning before bathing or using the washroom so
none of the eggs are removed. The tape is then removed and put on a
microscope slide. If there are eggs present this means the Pinworm infection
is present.
The treatment is an antiparasitic medication, such as Pyrantel Pamate, or Mebendazole. Usually more than one member of the household will be infected with pinworm. Treatment of everyone in the household is usually recommended and is often repeated in two weeks.
To keep control of an infestation, make sure to wash hands before meals and after using the washroom. Keeping fingernails short and clean also helps. Wash bed sheets twice a week and clean toilet seats daily. Children who play in sandboxes or attend daycare may e more susceptible. If your child has contracted pinworm, it is important to notify the daycare.
Avoid scratching the area around the anus; it contaminates the fingers and
anything they touch. Keep the hands and fingers away from the mouth and nose
until they are washed.
Use these measures to prevent the spread of pinworm while using treatment is underway in your household.
Consult your physician if you suspect that your child may be experiencing a pinworm infection.
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