PINWORMS - Enterobiasis

Pinworms are a mild intestinal disease caused by an intestinal round worm. The most common symptoms are anal itching or irritation, sleep disturbance and irritability. Diagnosis is made by observation of the anal area approximately one to two hours after the child has fallen asleep. The worm can then be detected in the anal area laying eggs. If the worm cannot be seen but is suspected, a piece of transparent adhesive tape (scotch tape) is applied to the perianal area in the morning just before getting up. This tape can be taken to the doctor's office and examined under the microscope for the eggs. Most doctor's will call in a prescription for medication without examining the child. Visual confirmation of the worm by a parent is sufficient for the diagnosis.

5-15% of the general population in the United States are estimated to be infected by Pinworms. Prevalence rates are highest in preschool and school age children. Infection is usually familial and reinfection is common.

Pinworms are spread through transfer of eggs by hand from anus to mouth of the infected person and others. Indirectly the eggs can be transferred through clothing, bedding, food or other articles contaminated with eggs of the parasite. The incubation period is three to six weeks after ingestion of an egg.

The best prevention is frequent washing of the hands especially after going to the bathroom and before eating. Children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails are more susceptible.

Treatment consists of medication taken once and then repeated in two weeks, daily change of underwear and frequent washing of bed linen during this interval.