Description Small worms that li...
Description
Small worms that live in the intestine and crawl out of the anus to lay eggs on the skin around the rectum. Pinworm infection is the most common type of roundworm infection in the United States. The infection is most commonly seen in school aged children. Many times other household members will be infected. Infection typically occurs when people unknowingly touch pinworm eggs and then touch their mouth ingesting the eggs. Preventing spread of the infection can be done by cleaning toilet seats, keeping fingernails short, washing bed sheets and using good hygiene techniques.
Symptoms
Itching around the rectum, and vagina. The itching can cause disrupted sleep, irritability and restlessness. With more severe infections, a person may also have intermittent abdominal pain and nausea.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The cellophane tape test consists of placing a piece of tape on the skin around the rectum and look for pinworms or the eggs of the pinworm using a microscope. This test is best done first thing in the morning before going to the bathroom since the adult pinworms crawl out of the anus to lay eggs during the night.
Other Specific Tests: Cellophane tape test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The cellophane tape test consists of placing a piece of tape on the skin around the rectum and look for pinworms or the eggs of the pinworm using a microscope. This test is best done first thing in the morning before going to the bathroom since the adult pinworms crawl out of the anus to lay eggs during the night.
Other Specific Tests: Cellophane tape test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Medications are used to treat pinworm infection, including albendazole (Albenza), mebendazole (Ovex, Vermox) and pyrantel (Pin-X). Family members may also need to be treated. Preventative measures such as those described in the description section will prevent re-infection.