What is a pinworm?
A pinworm is a white, very thin worm about 1/4 inch long that
moves. If it doesn't wiggle, it's probably lint or a thread. Pinworms usually
are seen in the anal and buttock area, especially at night or early in the
morning. Sometimes a pinworm is found on the surface of a bowel movement. More
than 10% of children have pinworms. They do not cause any serious health
problems. However, they can cause much itching and irritation of the anal area
and bottom.
How do I check for pinworms?
If your child has itching or irritation of the anal area, he
could have pinworms. Keep in mind that many get itching in this area just from
washing the area too frequently or vigorously with soap.
Check your child for pinworms as follows: First, look for a
1/4-inch, white, threadlike worm that moves. Examine the area around the anus
using a flashlight. Do this a few hours after your child goes to bed and first
thing in the morning for two consecutive nights. If no pinworm is seen, do a
Scotch tape test for pinworm eggs.
Instructions for Scotch tape test
- Pick up glass slides at your health care provider's office
(2 for each child) and write your child's name on the slides.
- Touch the sticky side of a piece of clear Scotch tape to
the skin on both sides of the anus. Do this in the morning soon after your
child has awakened and before any bath or shower.
- Stick the piece of tape onto a slide. Do this 2 mornings
in a row. Bring the slides to your provider's office. Your child's provider
will look at the tape under a microscope.
Your provider will call you to give you the results. If
pinworm eggs are seen on the slides, your child's provider will prescribe
medicine.
How can I take care of my
child?
- Anti-pinworm medicine
If you have definitely seen a pinworm, your child needs to
be treated with medicine prescribed by your provider. The pinworm medicine
is called _________________________. The dose is _________, given
__________________.
- Treatment of other family members
for pinworm
Children are usually infected by children outside the
family. If anyone else in your family has itching and irritation in the anal
area, or anyone sleeps with your child, call your health care provider
during office hours for instructions. Your provider will tell you if it is
necessary for everyone in the family to be treated. If any of your child's
friends have similar symptoms, be sure to tell their parents to get them
tested. Dogs and cats do not carry pinworms.
What if my child was exposed to
another child with pinworms?
If your child has been around a child who has pinworms but has
no symptoms, your child probably won't get them. Pinworms are harmless and are
never present very long without causing some anal itching. If you want to be
sure your child doesn't have pinworms, wait at least a month. A swallowed egg
will not mature into an adult pinworm for 3 to 4 weeks. Then contact your
provider about doing a Scotch tape test for pinworm eggs.
How can I help prevent
pinworms?
Infection is caused by swallowing pinworm eggs. Your child can
get pinworms no matter how carefully you keep your child and your house clean.
The following hygiene measures, however, can help to reduce the chances of
reinfection of your child or new infections in other people.
- Have your child scrub his hands and fingernails thoroughly
before each meal and after each use of the toilet. Keep the fingernails cut
short because eggs can collect under the nails. Discourage thumbsucking and
nail biting.
- Vacuum or wet mop your child's entire room once a week
because any eggs scattered on the floor are infectious for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Kill any eggs on clothes or bedding by machine-washing in
warm water.
When should I call my child's
health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
- The skin around the anus becomes red or tender (strep
bacteria can infect this area).
- The anal itching does not stop within 1 week after
treatment.
- You have other concerns or questions.
