Pinworm is the most common worm infection that affects people of all ages. It is caused by a small, white worm that lives in the intestines. It can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 most common symptoms of pinworm, as well as treatments for the infection.
What Are Worms?
Worms are small, parasitic creatures that live in the intestines of humans and animals. Pinworms are the most common type of worm infection in the United States.
They are typically spread through contact with contaminated food or surfaces. The worms enter the body through the mouth and travel to the intestine, where they mature and lay eggs.
Pinworms, both adult females and adult males, exit the large intestine via the anus (the opening where bowel movements come out).
Female pinworms leave the intestinal tract and lay pinworm eggs on the skin around the anus as the afflicted person sleeps.
Types Of Worms
There are many different types of worms, but here are five of the most common:
Tape Worms
Tapeworms are the most common type of worm found in humans. They can grow up to 30 feet long and live in the small intestine.
Roundworms
Roundworms are also common in humans and can grow up to 12 inches long. They typically live in the large intestine or stomach.
Hookworms
Hookworms are smaller than other types of worms, but they can still cause serious health problems. They attach themselves to the lining of the intestine and feed on blood.
Pinworm
Pinworms are small worms that live in the rectum and anus. They cause itching and irritation in the area.
Threadworm
Threadworms are also small worms that live in the intestine. They can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you think you may have a worm infection, it is important to see a doctor, so they can prescribe the proper treatment. Worms can be easy to treat if they are caught early, but they can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
How Is Pinworm Infection Diagnosed?
Itching in the perianal area of a youngster during the night strongly supports pinworm infection. Identification of the worm or its eggs is used to make a diagnosis.
Symptoms Of Pinworms
The most common symptom of pinworms is an itchy rectal area. This is caused by the female pinworm laying her eggs in the skin around your anus. Other symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Jaundice
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
- Urinary tract infections
- Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
- Itching around the anus and vagina or discharge (in girls)
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so that they can confirm whether you have pinworms and prescribe treatment. Left untreated, pinworms can lead to serious health complications like malnutrition, weight loss, and even blindness.
Ways To Prevent Pinworms
There are many ways to prevent pinworms, but these are the most effective:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
- Keep your fingernails short.
- Wear tight underwear.
- Don’t scratch your anus.
- Wash your anus with soap and water every day.
- Change your sheets frequently.
- Vacuum your home regularly.
- Don’t share towels or other personal items with someone who has pinworms.
- See a doctor if you think you have pinworms.
These are just a few of the many ways to prevent pinworms. If you’re worried about getting them, talk to your doctor about what else you can do to protect yourself.
Treatments for pinworms
While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, it is important to consult with a doctor before starting any kind of treatment. Some common treatments for pinworms include:
Pyrantel Pamoate
This medication is taken orally and works to paralyze the worms, so they can be passed out of the body in the stool. It is typically taken as a single dose and then repeated after two weeks.
Albendazole
Albendazole is another oral medication that helps to kill worms. It is usually taken as a single dose and then repeated after two weeks.
Mebendazole
Mebendazole also kills the worms but is typically taken in two doses, two days apart.
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is taken as a single dose and works by paralyzing the worms, so they can be passed out in the stool.
It is important to follow the directions on the medication bottle and to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms go away.
This will help to make sure all the worms are gone and prevent reinfection. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating, can also help to prevent pinworm infections.
Some home remedies, such as garlic or raw carrots, have been suggested as treatments for pinworms but there is no medical evidence to support these claims. If you are considering using a home remedy, it is important to speak with your doctor first.
Pinworm infections are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable. If you think you may have a pinworm infection, talk to your doctor so you can get started on the right treatment.
How Long Does It Take For Pinworms To Die After Medication?
This is a common question asked by parents whose children have been diagnosed with pinworms. The short answer is that it usually takes around two weeks for the pinworms to die after starting medication.
However, it is important to note that some children may still have live pinworms in their system after this period. This is because the eggs can remain alive in the environment for up to three months. Therefore, it is important to continue following good hygiene practices during this period to prevent reinfection.
If you think your child has re-infected themselves, please contact your doctor. They will likely prescribe another round of medication to kill the remaining worms. It is also important to clean your home thoroughly if there is a risk of re-infection.
This includes vacuuming carpets and washing all bedding in hot water. By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that your child remains healthy and free of pinworms.
If you have any further questions about pinworms, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider. They will be able to provide you with more information and advice on how to protect your child from this condition.