Clinically known as Enterobius vermicularis, pinworms are a type of small worm that infect the intestines and are one of the most common types of helminth infection in people. They’re also extremely contagious, spreading easily within homes, schools and communities. Pinworm infections are very seldom life-threatening, but they can bring on discomfort, restlessness or irritability — particularly in children.

It is estimated that between 40 million and almost 1 billion people are infected around the United States and worldwide, health experts say. In the United States, pinworms are the most common type of parasitic worm infection, with exhibits in temperate regions.

What Are Pinworms?

Pinworms are thin, white worms that affect the human intestines. In the adult female, nocturnal migration of tiny eggs to the anal region resulting in pruritus. These eggs are durable, persisting for weeks in bedding, clothing, toys and even underneath fingernails so reinfection and transmission are very widespread.

How Do You Get Pinworms?

The infection spreads when humans inadvertently ingest pinworm eggs. Common ways include:

Contact with contaminated toys, doorknobs, toilet seats or bedding.
Scratching of the itchy anal region and transferring eggs into the mouth by using unwashed hands.
Swallowing food or drink that has been contaminated with pinworm eggs.
Inhaling eggs in dust that float about the air and adhere to surfaces.
The eggs hatch in the small intestine after ingestion and adult worms migrate to the colon.

Who Gets Pinworms?

Pinworms can affect anyone but certain groups are at greater risk:

Children

Young schoolchildren have the highest rates of infection. Close play, shared toys and early hygiene habits also make them particularly vulnerable. Preschoolers are at risk too, and in some day care centers nearly half the toddlers may be infected at any given time.

Adults

Pinworm infection is common in adults, and adults can easily transmit the syndrome by not washing their hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing diapers. Adults who live communally, such as in dormitories or other institutional settings, are also more susceptible.

Families and Households

As eggs are so easily spread in communal areas, more than one member of a household might get the infection.

Pinworms in Children

It is the children who are worst affected. Thumb-sucking, nail-biting and bad handwashing make re-infection easy. Although pinworms don’t cause major harm, they can be uncomfortable.

Intense nighttime itching
Sleep disturbance, bedwetting, or irritability
Difficulty concentrating at school because of being tired.
Occasionally, scratching can lead to a secondary bacterial skin infection

Pinworms in Adults

Similar symptoms are common in adults, but may involve other complications:

Anal itching, especially at night
Restless sleep and fatigue
Vaginal discomfort or discharge when the worms travel outside of the anus
Ureaknown Urinary discomfort or dysuria in certain instances

Although infections are generally less common in adults than children, untreated pinworms can still cause problems with day-to-day living and sleep.

Signs and Symptoms of Pinworms

In Children

Nighttime itching around the anus
Bedwetting or disturbed sleep
Irritability or difficulty concentrating during school hours
If you can see the worms in stool or around the anal area

In Adults

Itching around the anus or vagina, esp at night.
Trouble sleeping or unexplained fatigue
Irritation or mild abdominal discomfort
Rarely, urinary or genital complications

What Do Pinworms Look Like?

Adult pinworms are small, white threadlike worms the size of a staple. At times, it can be observed in the skin close to the anus or even into the stool. Pinworm eggs are, however, tiny and cannot be seen without a microscope.

Can You Have Pinworms in Your Vagina?

Yes. FWFs sometimes crawl into the skull and move down to the vaginal area that gives rise to vaginal discharge, itching, and urinary irritation. This is painful and it can mean secondary infections if you don’t clean up.

Treatment Options for Pinworms

The pinworm treatment is easy , but the odds of reinfection are high when the important measures of hygiene are disregarded. Standard treatments include:

Mebendazole (Vermox)

One tablet, sometimes repeated in two to three weeks. Discontinued in the United States, but may still be available at some pharmacies.

Albendazole (Albenza)

A prescription medication that is both safe and effective.

Pyrantel Pamoate (Pin-X, Pin-Rid)

Over-the-counter in US; drug of choice during pregnancy.

Combination Therapy

Orally and topically in combined fashion may be utilized in ascending infection of the urinary or genital tract.

Many doctors advise treating all members of a household at once in order to prevent re-infection.

Natural or Home Remedies for Pinworms

Not scientifically validated but often used in combination with medical care:

Garlic
Pumpkin seeds
Grated coconut
Carrots
Onion juice

Always talk with your doctor before you experiment with these, because drugs are still the best option.

What if Pinworms Go Untreated?

Pinworm infections are usually mild, but if not treated, they can be severe again in rare cases:.

Diarrhea, weight loss, or malabsorption
Bedwetting and sleep problems
Vaginal itching, UTI infections or difficulty in urinating.
Uncommon complications are appendicitis or infection in women.

Prevention of Pinworm Infections

Eggs can live for up to three weeks in a damp place, so good hygiene is crucial:

Use soap when you wash hands after going to bathroom and before eating, too.
Keep fingernails short, and discourage nail-biting.
Underwear, pajamas, and bedding should be changed and washed every day while you are being treated.
Disinfect the toilet, toys and other frequently touched surfaces.
Take the whole family at once to avoid reinfestation.

Conclusion

Pinworm infections are common, very contagious and uncomfortable — but they can be treated easily. Children are most affected, but adults can also be infected. They are the keys to interrupting the cycle of reinfection. With preventive measures, pinworm infections are easily curable.