Pinworms (common intestinal worm)

Description

Small parasites (roundworms-nematodes) which live in the intestine and come out of the anus to lay eggs on the skin around the rectum. Infection most commonly occurs in school aged children. Many times other household members get infected. Infection usually occurs when the patient, without knowing, touches pinworm eggs and then touches the mouth ingestinglike that the eggs in the body.Spreading of the infection may be prevented by cleaning toilet seats, trimming fingernails short, washing bed sheets and using good hygiene techniques.

Symptoms

Itch around the rectum (it may be severe), vaginal itch, problems with sleeping, irritability and restlessness, occasional abdominal pain, nausea.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Scotch tape test consists of placing the tape on the skin around the rectum and looking for the pinworms or eggs of the pinworms with the microscope. This test is best done first thing in the morning before going to a bathroom since adult worms come out the anus to lay the eggs during the night.

Additional analyses

Scotch tape test

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Antiparasitic drugs (anthelmintics) are used to treat pinworm infection. The most common antiparasitic drugsfor pinworms are albendazole, mebendazole and pyrantel. Family members may also need to be treated. Preventative measures such as above described will prevent recurrence of the infection.