Author: Taylor

Pinworm Infection

What is pinworm infection?

Treatment

Description, signs, symptoms, treatments.

Pinworm infection is the most common form of intestinal worm infection in the United States. It is more common in children and occurs when a female pinworm is ingested into the digestive system and lays eggs in the intestines. The stomach acids actually aid in the eggs development. The eggs hatch close to the opening of the anus. Most hosts (victims to the worms) have no idea they are even infected.

Symptoms

Although most people infected with pinworms do not know they are infected, some people complain of itching around the anus. Other people complain of sleepless nights. There have also been signs of rashes around the anus. The itching and rashes occur because the anus is irritated with the unfamiliar feeling of worms and eggs. Some symptoms mimic those of appendicitis.

Treatment for pinworm infection includes a series of medications. The most common and the first medication prescribed is mebendazole (vermox). It comes in a tablet taken by mouth and in a chewable form. Some doctors recommend a treatment plan that includes a drug dose every 3 weeks, 3 times, so the infected person has effective treatment for approximately 9 months. Other medications include albendazole (albenza), and pyrantel pamoate (pin-rid/pin-x). Because pinworms can also spread into the urinary system and the reproductive system. Infected patients should consider precautionary steps such as whipping front to back after every bowel movement, trying not to itch or rub infected area, and do not stay in still water (baths). If going untreated, pinworms symptoms worsen to diarrhea, genital itching, significant malabsorption of food, frequent bedwetting, and vaginal discharge and rash.

By Kaylee Heiden

Cautious Pinworm Procedures

How Can Pinworm Infection Become Risky Even to Those Who Are Not Infected?

Being young is a huge factor in pinworm infection cases. Pinworm infections are more likely to develop in children typically within the ages of 5 to 14. But pinworm infection can occur at any time. The pinworm eggs are spread from child to child easier than they would be spread from adult to adult. It is easier this way because children touch everything that catches their attention. Where as typically if an adult touches something sticky or gooey, they immediately wash their hands. Living in crowded spaces is very hazardous if someone is currently infected with pinworm infection. People who live in institutions are at higher risk of developing, spreading, and sharing the pinworm infection. Pinworms are worldwide but are more commonly found in places that do not have tropical environments.

Can Not Changing Bed Sheets Become An Issue For People With Pinworm Infection?

Pinworm infection can become very contagious without proper precautions. It can be easy to treat/tame the infection AT HOME by following these instructions:
Constantly change bed sheets to reduce the risk of pinworms spreading.
Do not sleep in the same bed as someone who is or has currently been diagnosed with pinworm infection. Even though you cannot see the worms, there is a very high possibility that the worms are still there.
Do not use a towel that has been previously used by someone suffering from the infection.
WASH YOUR HANDS!

Prevention

Preventing pinworms can be easy if everyone follows these precautions:
Wash in the morning. Pinworms lay their eggs at night, by washing the anal area, it can reduce the number of pinworm eggs that hatch successfully.
Change underwear and bed linen daily. This will help remove the pinworm eggs.
Do laundry in steaming hot water. Wash bed sheets, underwear, night clothes, and towels in hot water. This will help kill the eggs.
Do not scratch the infected area. If the infected person scratches and does not wash their hands, it is easier for the infection to spread on the body and to others.
Clean toilet seat on the daily.

Citation

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pinworm/DS00687/DSECTION=risk-factors
http://www.medicinenet.com/pinworm_infection/page4.htm#what_is_the_treatment_of_pinworms_is_there_a_home_treatment