 |
|
|
|
The information provided by The Pediatric Group, PLLC website is information of a general nature and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be relied on for personal medical reasons and should not be relied upon as providing specific medical advice or for diagnosis or treatment. All information contained on this website is presented as is, without any warranties of any kind, express or implied.
Please note that visiting this website alone does not establish a physician-patient relationship with any physician engaged by The Pediatric Group, PLLC. You should consult your own physician for specific advice for your own personal situation.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
 |
Pinworms Definition: Pinworms are usually at least the length of a staple (but may be larger) and live in the intestines of humans. While an infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and deposit eggs on the surrounding skin. Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the United States. School-age children, followed by preschoolers, have the highest rates of infection. Infection often occurs in more than one family member. Pinworms do not cause any serious health problems but they can cause significant itching and irritation. Your child can get pinworms no matter how carefully you keep him/her and your house clean.
Symptoms: Itching around the anus, disturbed sleep, and irritability are common symptoms. If the infection is heavy, symptoms may also include loss of appetite, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms are caused by the female pinworm laying her eggs. Most symptoms of pinworm infection are mild; many infected people have no symptoms.
How to know: To check your child for pinworms, wait until a few hours after your child goes to bed.
- Examine the area around the anus using a flashlight.
- Look for a ¼- ½ inch, white, threadlike worm that moves. Some people say they look like straight pins.
- Check again first thing in the morning. Do this for two days/nights in a row.
Contagiousness: Pinworm eggs can survive up to 2 weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects. You or your children can become infected after accidentally swallowing pinworm eggs from contaminated surfaces or fingers. If any of your child’s friends have similar symptoms, be sure to tell their parents to get them tested.
Prevention:
- Scrub hands thoroughly before each meal and after each use of the toilet.
- Keep fingernails cut short, because eggs can collect under longer nails.
- Discourage thumb-sucking and nail-biting.
- Don’t eat food that has fallen on the floor.
Medication: Treatment of pinworms is almost always successful with Vermox, a prescription medicine. Vermox cannot be taken by children under age 2 years.
For more information about pinworms in children, check out the website from the Centers for Disease Control.
|
| |
| |
|
|
 |
