Pinworms
(Worms · Parasites · Enterobius Vermicularis · Enterobiasis)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Pinworms
A diagnosis of a pinworm infection is made by finding the female worm or the eggs. To find a female worm, examine the area around an infected person's anus at night with a flashlight. The person should be sleeping for 2 to 3 hours before inspection. The white, hair-thin female worm is only about 10 mm long (males average 3 mm), but it wriggles and is clearly visible to the eye without a microscope. Any worms that are discovered should be placed in alcohol or vinegar and taken to the clinic or doctor for diagnosis.
Another method of diagnosis involves the use of a piece of sticky tape to pick up any eggs or worms that may be around the anal area in the morning before washing or a bowel movement. Pat the folds of skin around the anus with the sticky side of the tape. Then fold the tape on itself, sticky side down, and take it to the doctor. The eggs and worms caught on the tape can be identified under a microscope. This test may have to be repeated 5 times. Pinworms can also sometimes be seen in stool samples, but they are not a reliable method of diagnosis alone. Samples from underneath the fingernails may also be analyzed for any eggs.
Treating and Preventing Pinworms
Pinworms cause no harm or discomfort apart from anal itching, and treatment cures most cases. The key is to break the 6-week cycle of pinworm reinfection by killing any live pinworms and preventing the ingestion of eggs. A diagnosis should be confirmed before treating with medications.
Medications kill only the adult worms and have no effect on developing eggs and larvae. The prescription of choice is mebendazole* and the non-prescription medication of choice is pyrantel pamoate. Both mebendazole and pyrantel pamoate are given as a single dose and repeated in 2 weeks to kill any newly ingested eggs.
Since the eggs can be easily spread, everyone in the household must be treated with the medication, even if they do not have any symptoms. Reinfection is still common because the eggs can survive outside the body for 3 weeks.
It is essential to machine wash all bedding, clothing, and toys in order to kill all the eggs and prevent reinfection. You can relieve itching in the anal area with petroleum jelly or anti-itching creams and ointments. Wash your hands frequently, especially after going to the toilet, after scratching, and before eating, and keep your fingernails short to reduce the chance of picking up pinworm eggs.
During the week after treatment, all family members should wear cotton underpants that have been washed in hot soapy water. They should be worn all day and changed twice daily. Children should wear closed sleeping garments or snug underpants to prevent hand contact and contamination of bedding. People who have been infected should shower every morning to help eliminate any eggs on the skin. Wash night clothes, underwear and hand towels daily. Clean bedding often and avoid shaking bed linens and clothing prior to washing.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Pinworms
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