What are the symptoms of pinworm infection? What causes pinworm infection? Get answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.

Understanding Pinworm Infection

Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length.

Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

The most common symptom of pinworm infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as the female worms migrate to the host’s anal area to lay their eggs. While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms lay thousands of eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus. Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep.

Causes of Pinworm Infection

Pinworm infection occurs when a person accidentally swallows or breathes in pinworm eggs. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to the mouth by contaminated food, drink, or fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.

Risk Factors for Pinworm Infection

Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10, as the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. People who live in crowded spaces are also at a higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

Complications of Pinworm Infection

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems, but in rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of the female genitals. The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and around the pelvic organs, causing problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Preventing Pinworm Infection

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding, and toilet seats, for up to two weeks. Methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include washing in the morning, changing underwear and bedding daily, laundering in hot water, avoiding scratching the anal area, and washing your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

What is the most common symptom of pinworm infection?

The most common symptom of pinworm infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as the female worms migrate to the host’s anal area to lay their eggs.

How do people get pinworm infections?

Pinworm infection occurs when a person accidentally swallows or breathes in pinworm eggs. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to the mouth by contaminated food, drink, or fingers.

Who is at a higher risk of developing pinworm infections?

Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10, as the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. People who live in crowded spaces are also at a higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

What are some rare complications of pinworm infection?

In rare circumstances, heavy pinworm infestations can cause infection of the female genitals, with the parasite traveling from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and around the pelvic organs, causing problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

How can pinworm infection be prevented?

Methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include washing in the morning, changing underwear and bedding daily, laundering in hot water, avoiding scratching the anal area, and washing your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

Can pinworm infections cause serious complications?

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems, but in rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of the female genitals, leading to issues like inflammation of the vagina and uterus.

How common is pinworm infection worldwide?

Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide.