Pinworms (Genus - Enterobius)

Pinworms are white, parasitic worms that can live in the large intestine of humans. They are about one-half inch long. While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestinal tract and lay their eggs on the skin around the anus. The eggs are laid in a sticky, jelly-like substance that, along with the wriggling of the female pinworm, causes severe itching.

Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the United States. School-age children, followed by preschoolers, have the highest rates of infection. Cases of pinworm infection are seen most often at schools, daycare centers and other institutional settings.

Pinworm infection may cause:

• Itching around the anal area, difficulty sleeping and irritability.
• If it is a severe infection, symptoms may include:
  • nervousness
  • restlessness
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • girls may experience vaginal itching and irritation (vaginitis), if pinworms are near the vagina.
  Treating pinworms involves either prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

For more information: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/pinworm/fact_sheet.htm

Thank you for reading and stay clean.
Parth Patel