Symptoms, Signs, Treatments, And Cures: What Are Pinworms?

The life cycle of the pinworm begins with the female, who migrates (along with her many dozens of friends) from the large intestine to the external of the anus, where she lays her many microscopic eggs. The worm and her eggs promote a mild itch, which causes many children to itch the area surrounding the anus, thus allowing for further propagation of the species. While the pinworm herself may be noticed in the stool or on the skin, her eggs are difficult to clean completely away, as they are protected by a moist, sticky membrane which allows them to attach to fingers, sheets, clothing, and other objects that may come into contact with the anus, and travel to other hands, faucets, eating utensils, and food. These eggs may survive outside the body for as long as two weeks, given sufficiently moist and warm conditions.

From here they are ingested, one way or another. As they pass through the digestive process, hatching is promoted, and the larval worms work their way slowly to the large intestine, where they root themselves head-first into the tissue of the intestinal wall and proceed to feed off whatever your body chooses to pass along to the septic system. From here, females, upon maturation, pass themselves along to the rectum for further propagation.

Pinworm infections are frequently asymptomatic, but usually a mild itching of the anus is the most noticeable symptom. Worms may sometimes be seen on the anus or in the stool, but visual identification is relatively uncommon. If you are suspicious that you or a child has a pinworm infection, you should see a health professional, despite the availability of over-the-counter treatments. This is recommended because your self-diagnosis may be incorrect, and a more serious condition may be the actual culprit, or simply to prevent the use of unnecessary medication. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take over-the-counter pinworm treatments without the word of a health professional, nor should a child under the age of two years. If you find that you are infected, be sure to wash your hands and clothes frequently to prevent re-infection and the infection of others. If you have experienced the condition before, and suspect you may be reinfected, the use of an over-the-counter treatment may be acceptable, but it is still recommended that you check with a doctor or other health professional to be sure that in fact your diagnosis is accurate and to consider stronger treatments, in case your response to over-the-counter medication is limited.