Should I be scared 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.

Is it OK to have pinworms?

Typical pinworm infections don't cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals. The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs.

How likely is it to get pinworms?

Up to half of kids, typically between ages 5 to 10, will get a pinworm infection at some point, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the most common parasitic infection in the U.S.

Can 13 year old get pinworms?

Although pinworm infection is more common in school-aged children, anyone can get it. As children who are infected move around the house, the eggs may be spread, and other family members can become infected.

What happens if you don't do anything about pinworms?

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.

Kristen Bell Deals with Family Pinworm Outbreak

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. Many people may be asymptomatic.

How do you stop pinworms from itching at night?

Are pinworms harmless?

Fortunately, the most common type of worm infesting children, the pinworm, is essentially harmless. The pinworm is unpleasant to look at and may cause itching and, in girls, vaginal discharge, but it is not responsible for more serious health concerns. Pinworms cause more social concern than medical problems.

Should I tell my mum I have pinworms?

The itching from the pinworms might wake you up in the middle of the night and make you squirm a lot. So if you're itchy and sore on your bottom, tell your mom or dad. And if you see worms in your underwear or in the toilet, you should tell a parent right away.

Do pinworms go away?

Pinworm infections are easy to treat, and the pinworms go away. Because the pinworm infection is so highly contagious, it is not unusual for infections to recur.

How common are pinworms in us?

How common are pinworm infections? This is an easily transmissible infection that is very common in families with small children. Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the United States. Experts estimate that one in ten people throughout the world become infected with pinworms.

Do you need to see a Dr for pinworms?

Call Your Doctor If:

Pinworm is seen. Skin around the anus gets red or tender. Anal itching lasts more than 1 week. You think your child needs to be seen.

Why do I get pinworms on my period?

This finding of enterobius vermicularis in menstrual blood supports the theory that the worm and its eggs gain access to the peritoneal cavity through an ascending pathway of vagina, uterus and fallopian tube.

Can you 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 itch during the day?

The most common signs of a pinworm infection are itching around the anus and restless sleep. The itching is usually worse at night because the worms move to the area around the anus to lay their eggs. In girls, pinworm infection can spread to the vagina and cause a vaginal discharge.

What is the fastest way to get rid of pinworms?

Pinworms can usually be treated completely with two doses of over-the-counter medicine called pyrantel pamoate, available in the United States under the brand names Pin-X and Reese's Pinworm Medicine. Take one dose immediately and another dose two weeks later.

Should I be embarrassed to have worms?

Many people feel embarrassed about having "worms." Pinworm infections can happen to anyone, are spread very easily, and are not related to being unclean. They are especially common in children. They are also easily treated.

Are threadworms embarrassing?

How serious are threadworms? They are more embarrassing than anything else, because they can cause an irresistible urge to scratch the bottom. They are generally harmless and don't cause long-term damage. However, scratching can aggravate the problem and make it more difficult to treat.

Why does my kid 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.

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.

How long can you have pinworms without knowing?

Although not all infected people will have symptoms, many will experience itching around the rectum. Some females may also experience itching in the genital area. How soon do symptoms appear? Symptoms usually are noticed one to two months after infection.

How many pinworms are there?

As many as a billion people worldwide from all socioeconomic classes are infected. Pinworm infestation is the most common helminthic infection in the United States, occurring in an estimated 20 to 42 million people. Most cases are in school-aged and young children, their family members, or caregivers.

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.

What do pinworms do?

Pinworm infection (called enterobiasis or oxyuriasis) causes itching around the anus which can lead to difficulty sleeping and restlessness. Symptoms are caused by the female pinworm laying her eggs. Symptoms of pinworm infection usually are mild and some infected people have no symptoms.

Why does my kid keep getting pinworms?

By an infected child not washing hands after using the bathroom. If the child then touches playmates or toys, he/she may pass on the eggs. Pinworm eggs can also be transferred to the fingers from clothing or bedding, and then spread around the home. Eggs may be inhaled from the air or deposited onto food and swallowed.