Are pinworms harmful?

It's a common infection that affects millions of people each year, particularly school-age kids. If your child develops a pinworm infection, try not to worry. Pinworms don't cause any harm (just itching and restless sleep), and it won't take long to get rid of them.

What will happen if pinworms are not treated?

In rare cases, if the infestation is left untreated, pinworm infections can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Pinworms can also travel from the anus into the vagina, affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. This may result in other infections, including vaginitis and endometritis.

Should I be worried of pinworms?

If you have pinworms, don't worry. They don't cause any harm (just itching!), and it won't take long to get rid of them. Your doctor will give you some medicine to take right away and then again 2 weeks later to be sure the worms are gone. The doctor can also give you a cream to help stop the itching.

Will pinworms go away on their own?

Strict hygiene measures can clear up pinworm infection without medication, and reduce the risk of reinfection. The worm has a lifespan of about six weeks, therefore the strict hygiene needs to last that long.

Is it normal for people to get pinworms?

Although a pinworm infection does need to be treated, it usually doesn't cause any serious medical problems. Pinworm infections are very common, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide. People of all ages can become infected with pinworms, but the infections are found most often in children.

Pinworm Dangers

What do pinworms look like in poop?

In stools, the worms look like small pieces of white cotton thread. Because of their size and white color, pinworms are difficult to see. The male worm is rarely seen because it remains inside the intestine. It is best to search for pinworms at night, when the female comes out to lay her eggs.

How do I get rid of pinworms naturally?

Coconut oil

Coconut is said to have antibacterial and antiviral properties that may help clear a pinworm infection. This treatment requires a two-step approach. Swallow a teaspoon of pure coconut oil each morning. Before you go to bed, rub a small amount of coconut oil into the affected area.

Can pinworms go to your brain?

“The worm matures in the gut and then likes to travel to the lung,” says Shirley. “From the lung, the worm can occasionally travel to the eyes, leading to vision loss. Or it may go to the brain where it can cause encephalitis, which leads to seizures and brain damage.”

Can pinworms make you sick?

Symptoms of pinworm infection may include: Itching of the anal or vaginal area. Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness. Occasional stomach pain and nausea.

How long do pinworms last if not treated?

How long does pinworms last? The life cycle of a pinworm is 4 to 6 weeks. Without treatment, infestation will continue as long as fresh eggs are being swallowed, unless a person develops immunity to pinworms, which is unusual before age 15.

Would pinworms be moving in poop?

A white, very thin, threadlike worm, about ¼ inch (6 mm) long. It moves. If it doesn't wiggle, it's probably lint or a thread. The worm may be seen around the anus or on the child's bottom.

Why does my daughter keep getting worms?

Children can get threadworms when they accidentally get worm eggs on their hands and swallow them. This might happen if they put their hands in their mouths or bite their nails after coming into contact with people with worms or with worm-infected dust, toys or bed linen.

Where do pinworms come from originally?

The first evidence of pinworm infection dates back to Roman-occupied Egypt (30 BC-AD 395), and the oldest known pinworm ova have been found in human coprolites dating back to 7800 BC from Danger Cave, Utah (Fry and Hall, 1969).

How do I check myself for pinworms?

One way to detect pinworms is to shine a flashlight on the anal area. The worms are tiny, white, and threadlike. If none are seen, check for 2 or 3 additional nights. The best way to diagnose this infection is to do a tape test.

How can I tell if I have worms?

Most of the time, there aren't any. You might have anal itching, especially at night. You could also have stomach pain, nausea, or vaginal itching. Sometimes pinworms can be seen around your anus or on your underwear or bed sheets about 2 to 3 hours after you've gone to bed.

How long does it take to get rid of pinworms?

The medicine usually takes approximately 72 hours to fully rid the system of pinworms. For several days after treatment, clean the bedroom floor by vacuuming or damp mopping. After treatment, wash bed linens and night clothes (don't shake them). Keep toilet seats clean.

Can pinworms cause death?

Pinworm infestation is very rarely fatal; death and morbidity are from secondary infection. A 28% to 68% increased risk for appendicitis is associated with pinworm infestation.

Do worms go away on their own?

Some types of intestinal worms, such as tapeworms, may disappear on their own if you have a strong immune system and healthy diet and lifestyle. However, depending on the type of intestinal worm infection, you may require treatment with an antiparasitic medication.

Can you see pinworms on toilet paper?

Pinworms are formally diagnosed when the symptoms are present and the worm is seen - either around the anal area, on the outside of the stool or toilet paper. The worm are about ¼ inch long and thin like a piece of thread-but are often moving.

Can pinworms go to your heart?

But in rare cases this parasitic infection can lead to a serious heart complication known as amebic pericarditis, in which it causes abscesses in the pericardium — the saclike membrane surrounding the heart, scientists wrote in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research.

Is it OK to go to school with pinworms?

Children suspected of having pinworms should not go to school until they have been treated. During and after treatment, any bedding or clothing of the infected person should be washed in very hot water.

Can pinworms get in your ears?

From the infection

Occasionally worms are found in the female genital organs. More rarely, they are found in the ears and nose.

What to expect when treating pinworms?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal cramps, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What time do pinworms come out at night?

The female adult worms leave the anus in the middle of the night while the person is sleeping to deposit her eggs around the skin of the perianal region. The eggs become infectious within a couple of hours after being deposited and can survive for about 2 weeks outside the host.

Can worms make you gain weight?

weight gain while infected as a tapeworm can increase appetite. an increased craving for carbohydrates.