Pin Worms

Signs and Symptoms:    A tiny parasitic worm measuring about ½ inch in length causes Pinworm. Sometimes these worms can actually be seen in the area around a child’s rectum or in the stool.  They may have the appearance of light-colored threads on the move.  Often a person can have a pinworm infection without having any symptoms, but when symptoms are present, the most common one is itching around the rectum.  The itching is usually worse at night and is caused by worms migrating to the area around the rectum to lay their eggs. 

Prevention:  GOOD HANDWASHING IS THE KEY! 
People become infected by unknowingly eating the microscopic pinworm eggs.  When hands are contaminated after using the bathroom, the microscopic eggs are transferred to the fingers.  Contaminated fingers can carry the pinworm eggs to many different surfaces including, drinking glasses, eating utensils, and food.  YOU CAN PREVENT PINWORM INFECTIONS BY REMINDING YOUR CHILD TO WASH HIS HANDS AFTER USING THE TOILET AND BEFORE EATING.  Make sure your child showers or bathes every day and changes underwear daily.           

Professional Treatment:  Call your family doctor if your child complains of an itchy rectum or always seems to be scratching the rectal or genital area, if your child has trouble sleeping or has begun to wet the bed.  After diagnosis, your child’s doctor will probably give everyone in the family one dose of an anti-worm medicine that will eliminate the pinworm infection.