What are pinworms and how do they infect humans. How can you identify a pinworm infection. What are the most effective treatments for pinworm infections. How can you prevent pinworm infections in children and adults. What are the potential complications of untreated pinworm infections. Are pinworm infections common and who is most at risk. How do pinworms spread and survive in the environment.

Understanding Pinworm Infections: A Common Intestinal Parasite

Pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis, is the most prevalent type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. These parasitic worms, scientifically named Enterobius vermicularis, are thin, white, and measure approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 millimeters) in length. Despite their small size, pinworms can cause significant discomfort and health concerns if left untreated.

Why are pinworm infections so common? The answer lies in their lifecycle and ease of transmission. Female pinworms lay thousands of microscopic eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus while the infected person sleeps. These eggs can easily spread from person to person, particularly in close-contact environments such as schools, daycare centers, and households.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

Interestingly, many people infected with pinworms experience no symptoms at all. However, for those who do, the signs can be quite distinctive. What are the most common symptoms of a pinworm infection?

• Intense anal itching, especially at night
• Restless sleep and irritability
• Teeth grinding
• Occasional abdominal pain and nausea
• In some cases, vaginal itching in females

The hallmark symptom is anal itching, which occurs when female pinworms migrate to the anal area to lay their eggs. This typically happens at night, leading to disturbed sleep patterns and increased irritability in infected individuals, particularly children.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

If you or your child experiences severe anal itching, especially at night, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. While pinworm infections are generally not serious, they can cause significant discomfort and should be treated promptly to prevent spread to others.

The Lifecycle and Transmission of Pinworms

Understanding how pinworms spread is crucial for both treatment and prevention. How do these parasites infect humans and complete their lifecycle?

1. Ingestion of eggs: Pinworm eggs are accidentally swallowed or inhaled, often through contaminated food, drink, or fingers.
2. Hatching: Once ingested, the eggs hatch in the intestines.
3. Maturation: The larvae mature into adult worms within a few weeks.
4. Egg-laying: Female pinworms migrate to the anal area to lay their eggs, usually at night.
5. Transmission: When an infected person scratches the itchy area, eggs cling to their fingers and can be transferred to surfaces or other people.

Remarkably, pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces, making thorough cleaning and hygiene practices essential for preventing reinfection and spread.

Risk Factors for Pinworm Infection

While anyone can contract a pinworm infection, certain factors increase the risk. Who is most susceptible to pinworm infections?

• Children aged 5 to 10 years old
• Individuals living in crowded environments (e.g., institutions, dormitories)
• Family members and caregivers of infected persons
• People in close-contact settings like schools or childcare centers

It’s worth noting that pinworm infections are relatively uncommon in children younger than 2 years old. The increased risk in school-age children is largely due to their close contact with peers and tendency to put their hands in their mouths.

Potential Complications of Untreated Pinworm Infections

While typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems, heavy infestations can lead to complications, particularly in females. What are the potential risks of leaving a pinworm infection untreated?

• Vaginal infections (vaginitis)
• Inflammation of the uterine lining (endometritis)
• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• In rare cases, infection of the abdominal cavity

These complications underscore the importance of prompt treatment and thorough hygiene practices to prevent reinfection and spread to others.

Effective Prevention Strategies for Pinworm Infections

Preventing pinworm infections requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on hygiene and environmental cleaning. What are the most effective ways to prevent pinworm infections and reinfections?

• Morning hygiene: Wash the anal area thoroughly each morning to remove eggs laid overnight.
• Regular hand washing: Especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating.
• Frequent laundering: Change and wash underwear, pajamas, and bedding daily in hot water.
• Avoid scratching: Keep fingernails short and discourage nail-biting to reduce egg transfer.
• Regular cleaning: Thoroughly clean surfaces, toys, and toilet seats that may harbor eggs.

Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of pinworm infections and their spread within households and communities.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Pinworm Infections

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of pinworm infections. How do healthcare providers diagnose pinworm infections?

• Tape test: Applying clear adhesive tape to the anal area to collect eggs for microscopic examination.
• Visual inspection: In some cases, adult worms may be visible around the anal area or in stool.
• Microscopic examination of eggs or adult worms.

Once diagnosed, what are the most common treatments for pinworm infections?

• Antiparasitic medications: Mebendazole, albendazole, or pyrantel pamoate are typically prescribed.
• Two-dose treatment: Often, a second dose is given 2 weeks after the first to ensure complete eradication.
• Family treatment: Treating all household members simultaneously is often recommended to prevent reinfection.

In addition to medication, thorough cleaning of the home environment and maintaining good hygiene practices are essential components of effective treatment.

Long-term Management and Prevention of Pinworm Infections

Managing pinworm infections extends beyond initial treatment. How can individuals and families prevent recurring infections?

• Maintain strict hygiene practices, especially hand washing.
• Regularly clean and vacuum living spaces, paying attention to bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water regularly.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or washcloths.
• Educate family members, especially children, about proper hygiene and the importance of not scratching the anal area.

By implementing these long-term strategies, individuals and families can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent pinworm infections and maintain a healthier living environment.

The Role of Education in Preventing Pinworm Spread

Education plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of pinworm infections, especially in school and childcare settings. What key messages should be emphasized in pinworm prevention education?

• The importance of regular hand washing
• Proper toilet hygiene
• Avoiding nail-biting and finger-sucking
• Recognizing and reporting symptoms promptly
• Understanding how pinworms spread and the importance of early treatment

By empowering children, parents, and caregivers with knowledge about pinworm infections, communities can work together to reduce infection rates and promote overall health.

Pinworms and Public Health: A Global Perspective

While pinworm infections are often considered a nuisance rather than a serious health threat, their widespread prevalence makes them a significant public health concern. How do pinworm infections impact global health?

• Economic burden: Treatment costs and lost productivity due to infections can be substantial.
• Quality of life: Infections can significantly impact sleep and daily comfort, especially for children.
• Sanitation indicator: High rates of pinworm infections can indicate areas needing improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

Understanding the broader implications of pinworm infections helps highlight the importance of prevention and control measures on a community and global scale.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

As with many areas of medicine, research into pinworm infections continues to evolve. What are some areas of ongoing research and potential future developments in pinworm prevention and treatment?

• Development of more effective and longer-lasting treatments
• Improved diagnostic techniques for faster and more accurate detection
• Studies on the potential impact of pinworm infections on gut microbiome and overall health
• Investigation of natural remedies and their efficacy in preventing or treating pinworm infections

These research directions hold promise for improving our understanding and management of pinworm infections in the future.

Pinworms in Special Populations: Considerations and Challenges

While pinworm infections can affect anyone, certain populations may face unique challenges in prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. How do pinworm infections impact special populations?

Pinworms in Immunocompromised Individuals

For people with weakened immune systems, pinworm infections may pose a greater risk. What special considerations are there for immunocompromised individuals?

• Increased susceptibility to infection and reinfection
• Potential for more severe symptoms or complications
• Need for closer monitoring and potentially more aggressive treatment

Pinworms in Pregnancy

Pregnant women may have concerns about pinworm infections and their treatment. What should pregnant women know about pinworm infections?

• Most anti-pinworm medications are considered safe during pregnancy, but consultation with a healthcare provider is essential
• Untreated infections could potentially lead to complications, so prompt treatment is important
• Extra attention to hygiene measures is crucial to prevent infection and reinfection

Pinworms in Institutional Settings

Institutional settings like nursing homes, prisons, or boarding schools present unique challenges in managing pinworm infections. How can these environments effectively manage and prevent pinworm outbreaks?

• Implementing rigorous hygiene protocols
• Regular health screenings and prompt treatment of identified cases
• Education programs for residents and staff
• Environmental cleaning measures to reduce egg survival on surfaces

By addressing the specific needs and challenges of these populations, healthcare providers and public health officials can better manage and prevent pinworm infections across all segments of society.

The Psychological Impact of Pinworm Infections

While the physical symptoms of pinworm infections are well-documented, the psychological effects are often overlooked. How can pinworm infections affect mental health and well-being?

• Anxiety and stress, particularly in children who may not understand the cause of their discomfort
• Embarrassment or social stigma associated with the infection
• Sleep disturbances leading to irritability and decreased cognitive function
• Potential impact on self-esteem, especially in school-age children

Recognizing and addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive care and support of individuals with pinworm infections.

Coping Strategies for Individuals and Families

Dealing with a pinworm infection can be challenging for both infected individuals and their families. What strategies can help in coping with the physical and emotional aspects of pinworm infections?

• Open communication within families to reduce stigma and encourage early reporting of symptoms
• Education about the common nature of pinworm infections to alleviate feelings of shame or embarrassment
• Stress management techniques to help deal with anxiety related to the infection or its treatment
• Focusing on the temporary nature of the infection and the effectiveness of treatment

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of pinworm infections, healthcare providers and families can ensure more comprehensive and supportive care for those affected.

Integrating Pinworm Prevention into Public Health Strategies

Given the prevalence of pinworm infections, integrating prevention strategies into broader public health initiatives is crucial. How can pinworm prevention be effectively incorporated into public health programs?

• Including pinworm education in school health curricula
• Incorporating pinworm prevention messages into general hygiene and sanitation campaigns
• Training healthcare providers in community clinics to recognize and treat pinworm infections promptly
• Developing targeted interventions for high-risk communities or institutions

By making pinworm prevention a part of broader public health strategies, communities can more effectively reduce infection rates and promote overall health and well-being.

The Role of Technology in Pinworm Prevention and Management

In an increasingly digital world, technology can play a significant role in preventing and managing pinworm infections. How can technological advancements contribute to pinworm control efforts?

• Mobile apps for tracking symptoms and medication schedules
• Online educational resources and interactive learning tools about pinworm prevention
• Telemedicine consultations for diagnosis and treatment follow-up
• Data analytics for identifying infection trends and targeting prevention efforts

Leveraging technology can enhance both individual management of pinworm infections and broader public health initiatives aimed at prevention and control.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Pinworm Management

Managing pinworm infections effectively requires a comprehensive approach that addresses prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. By combining medical interventions with education, hygiene practices, and psychological support, individuals and communities can significantly reduce the impact of these common parasitic infections.

As research continues and our understanding of pinworms evolves, new strategies and treatments may emerge. However, the fundamental principles of good hygiene, prompt treatment, and community education remain the cornerstones of effective pinworm management. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to minimize the spread of pinworm infections and promote healthier communities worldwide.

Pinworm infection – Symptoms & causes

Overview

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.

Pinworm

An adult pinworm generally is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as 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.

Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pinworm infection may include:

• Itching of the anal or vaginal area
• Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness
• Occasional stomach pain and nausea

Pinworms often cause no symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have severe anal itching, especially at night.

Causes

Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.

Female pinworms move to the anal area to lay their eggs, which often results in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces, such as toys, bedding or toilet seats. The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people.

Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.

Risk factors

Risk factors for pinworm infection include:

• Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
• Living in crowded spaces. People who live in institutions are at higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

Complications

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals.

The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs. This can cause problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Infection of part of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Prevention

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include:

• Wash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. Showering may help avoid possible re-contamination in bath water.
• Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.
• Launder in hot water. Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat.
• Don’t scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child’s fingernails so there’s less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails.
• Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

Pinworm infection – Symptoms & causes

Overview

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.

Pinworm

An adult pinworm generally is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as 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.

Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pinworm infection may include:

• Itching of the anal or vaginal area
• Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness
• Occasional stomach pain and nausea

Pinworms often cause no symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have severe anal itching, especially at night.

Causes

Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.

Female pinworms move to the anal area to lay their eggs, which often results in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces, such as toys, bedding or toilet seats. The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people.

Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.

Risk factors

Risk factors for pinworm infection include:

• Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
• Living in crowded spaces. People who live in institutions are at higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

Complications

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals.

The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs. This can cause problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Infection of part of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Prevention

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include:

• Wash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. Showering may help avoid possible re-contamination in bath water.
• Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.
• Launder in hot water. Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat.
• Don’t scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child’s fingernails so there’s less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails.
• Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

Treatment of worms (helminthiasis) in adults, massage for clubfoot in Ryazan

The topic associated with the presence of worms in humans is quite delicate. The vast majority of people will not suspect infection even if its obvious symptoms are present. The fact is that there is a well-established stereotype: there is such a pathology as worms in children or in homeless people, outcasts and other individuals leading an asocial lifestyle. In fact, parasitologists say with full confidence: the vast majority of people are carriers of some kind of worms, or even several of their types at the same time!

Intestinal parasites can be contracted through unwashed hands and from domestic and wild animals. Roundworms – roundworms that can reach a length of 40 centimeters or more – are most often infected through insufficiently well-washed greens and vegetables, and tapeworms – tapeworms up to 10 meters long – by eating infected meat and fish. Pinworms – the most common worms in children – are very contagious, and that is why kindergartens conduct periodic checks on pupils. If they are found, then not only treatment with tablets is necessary, but also careful treatment of the entire room; eggs of worms of this variety can remain a source of infection months after they are isolated by an infected person!

Symptoms of worms in children and adults

Signs of the presence of “settlers” in the human body do not appear immediately after the infection has occurred. This is not surprising – nature itself takes care that the carrier of the parasite is in the dark and does not take measures to expel it. However, after a certain time from the moment the parasite enters the body, the patient may experience such symptoms of worms as:

• itching in the anus;
• skin allergy;
• persistent coryza;
• cough that cannot be controlled by taking drugs directed to treat it;
• stool problems. The accumulation of balls of worms in the intestinal lumen can lead to the development of constipation, while some types of worms in children and adults, on the contrary, provoke the appearance of flatulence and painful diarrhea;
• worms in humans are the cause of a decrease in immunity, which can manifest itself, for example, through frequent colds;
• disorders of the digestive tract, provoked by the introduction of “uninvited guests” into the body, can cause “failures” in the nervous system – for example, provoke the development of bruxism, etc.

If a child has worms, the symptoms of their presence may be as follows:

• both hyperactivity and, conversely, retardation and lethargy uncharacteristic for a baby;
• profuse salivation, also during nocturnal rest;
• craving for sweets;
• dry – up to peeling – skin, as well as brittle nails and brittle hair;
• anemia;
• soreness – the baby often catches a cold – etc.

Treatment of worms: how to get rid of them?

There is a widespread misconception that there are some universal tablets for worms, which are enough to take one or two times in order to get rid of all the parasites in the body. First of all, to get rid of various varieties of intestinal worms, different medicines are used, the appointment of which should be handled by the attending physician. Treatment is not carried out on the basis of symptoms, but only after the results of the tests reveal the eggs of the worms and determine their specific variety.

It is important to understand that self-medication will not only not help to expel “uninvited guests” from the body, but it can also be dangerous! Tablets from worms are not vitamins: they contain highly toxic substances in their composition, which, if used improperly, can greatly harm a person!

Are you interested in the price of worm treatment in Ryazan in our private clinic? Give us a call and book an appointment with a therapist!

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and make an appointment by phone or through the online form.

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Is it possible to get infected from the homeless? Do they really not have a home? Can’t they find any job? Shameful questions about people who live on the street

Heated tent for the homeless in the “Hangar of Salvation” of the Orthodox service “Mercy” (Moscow). February 2018

Artem Geodakyan / TASS / Vida Press

Nochlezhka, a charitable organization that helps the homeless, opens an office in Moscow after almost 30 years in St. Petersburg. In October, the first “Cultural Laundry” is to start working near the Dynamo metro station, where the homeless will be able to wash and dry their clothes for free (it is being opened together with the Second Wind Foundation). Many residents of the area did not like this idea. Briefly, their position can be expressed by the quote “we missed your smelly homeless people here.” People say that they are afraid for the health of their children, because the homeless, in their opinion, spread the infection. There are several million homeless people in Russia, and about 80 thousand in Moscow. This is one of the most stigmatized groups in Russian society. As is often the case, much of the fear and rejection is due to ignorance. Meduza publishes answers to the most popular questions about the homeless.

We have restarted MeduzaCare, a program to help philanthropists. All project materials go to a special page. It will be constantly updated.

Is it true that many homeless people actually have housing?

No, it is rare for a homeless person to own a house or apartment. It happens that people have housing, but they, for various reasons, cannot return there. Many people, for example, find themselves on the street due to family conflicts (according to Nochlezhka, this happens in 36% of cases). After a quarrel, relatives write them out of the apartment.

22% of homeless people end up on the street after moving to another city in the hope of finding a job. It is not always easy to go back – many people lose their documents and cannot collect the required amount for a ticket.

17% – become victims of scammers in real estate transactions: they sell an apartment, but do not receive money.

Why can’t homeless people improve their lives a little? Because of alcoholism?

Yes, often due to alcohol addiction. Moreover, people often start drinking when they are already on the street. But this applies only to a part of the homeless. There are other circumstances that prevent the homeless from socializing – here are three main reasons:

No documents. Documents are lost, stolen or taken by force: homeless people often have to carry all their documents with them, because they do not have a locker where they can store all important papers. Without documents, it is very difficult to get a job, it is impossible to buy a train or plane ticket, and you cannot get a pension. Not everyone succeeds in restoring the papers – for this you need to know how this is done and be able to defend your rights in conversations with officials. If you are already homeless, this is all the more difficult. And for this you need money – to pay fines, duties and other expenses. Without the help of lawyers and charitable organizations, it is usually almost impossible for a homeless person to restore documents.

Health status. Life on the street increases the risk of developing many diseases and conditions: from inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue to traumatic brain injury. At the same time, it can be difficult for a homeless person to receive normal medical care in time, so that gradually a person loses his ability to work and it is increasingly difficult for him to return to normal life.

Psychological state. Being homeless is dangerous and disturbing. The homeless are often beaten, robbed, deceived, and regularly told that they should be ashamed. In such a situation, a person ceases to trust others and tries to think only about survival here and now, and often this leads to the fact that a person cannot even sleep normally. “A homeless person cannot be sure of anything: where he will spend the night; will he find his things in the basement where he spent the night yesterday; what will be eaten; Will they let me go to the toilet or wash my face,” Nochlezhka employee Vlada Gasnikova explains in a letter to Meduza. — The level of uncertainty is going through the roof — and this greatly demotivates a person. Among other things, it pushes you to drink, because alcohol dulls the feeling of being worthless and fear of the unknown.”

In addition, when a person cannot wash clothes and take a regular shower for a long time, this affects their self-esteem. In such a state, it is difficult to change anything. Even on privileged days, homeless people may not be allowed into public baths. It turns out a vicious circle: a person is dirty and smells bad, because he has nowhere to wash; a person is not allowed to wash because he is already dirty.

Are homeless people who live on the street for many years mentally unhealthy?

Homelessness does indeed often affect mental health. Conversely, mental disorders can lead to homelessness. For example, people living on the street are more likely to have depression and schizophrenia. Some people may become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol over time.

If a person becomes homeless, does he even have a chance to get out?

Yes. But it is very difficult to do this without outside help, and throughout Russia there are about 200 charitable organizations that help the homeless. The state also does this, but it cannot be said that it is effective. According to Nochlezhka director Grigory Sverdlin, the homeless in France stop living on the streets after an average of 14 months, in Norway after 10. In other European countries, the situation is also not bad. The average experience of homelessness in Russia is about seven years.

According to Vlada Gasnikova, in Western European countries, state services and numerous public organizations help homeless people get out of the street. Therefore, on average, after a year, with the help of social workers and psychologists, motivated people improve their lives and start renting housing. In Russia, there is no emergency and accessible system of state assistance for people in trouble, so a person, once on the street, often does not understand what to do and where to turn. And the longer a person spends on the street, the higher the risks of getting into trouble and the more difficult it is to return.

What to do if you find yourself on the street? And how likely is that?

This can happen to anyone. Here is a special calculator with which you can roughly estimate your own risks of being on the street.

If you find yourself on the street and you have nowhere to sleep, it is important to immediately find an organization that will help you restore documents, find a job, go to court, receive possible benefits from the state, and more. For St. Petersburg and Moscow, special handbooks for the homeless are published every year – it says where you can get help.

Do homeless people often commit crimes? And how dangerous are they?

According to the lawyers of Nochlezhka (calculations were made according to the statistics of the Judicial Department at the Supreme Court), among people who have committed crimes, there are no more than 1.5% without a fixed place of residence, and their number is decreasing. But I must say that about 10% of the homeless have a criminal past – after being released from prison, a person often has no home, no documents, no connections. Many people try to erase from their lives relatives who are in prison. When people with this experience fail to socialize, they tend to commit a new crime.

On the other hand, the same certificate from Nochlezhka’s lawyers states: of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and the Russian Guard, the homeless are not mentioned as a category of the population representing a criminal danger, causing concern and concern in terms of criminogenicity.

What should I do if a homeless person decides to spend the night in my building?

If it’s cold outside, don’t kick him out – give him hot food, tea, warm clothes, and a piece of paper with the addresses and phone numbers of nearby places where you can spend the night (you can print pages from the above references). Or call an organization that can take him to spend the night in a warm place (in Moscow, for example, the Social Patrol and the Orthodox service Mercy). If a person refuses to leave and behaves aggressively, warn that you will call the police.

If you see a homeless person sleeping on the street during the cold season, you should wake him up. Yes, the homeless often smell absolutely unbearable, but you can cheer yourself up with the thought that you are saving a person’s life. After all, if you sleep in the cold, you can die from hypothermia. After that, you need to act like in a situation with a homeless person in the stairwell – try to find hot food and tea, call the special service. In this guide, you can learn more about other ways to help homeless people.

You should not give money to the homeless – it is quite possible that they will be spent on alcohol.

Why such a peculiar smell? Is it just sweat?

Homeless people often do not have the opportunity to shower regularly and wash their clothes. Bacteria feed on the secretions of the sweat glands and process them into compounds with an unpleasant odor. In addition, some diseases common among homeless people can also give off a specific smell: for example, inflammation in the mouth, fungal skin diseases, kidney failure, liver failure, and others. The smell of alcohol may also be mixed in.

Is it possible to catch something if you are near a homeless person?

It depends on what the person is sick with and what’s wrong with your immune system. Homeless people often have head lice (lice) and scabies, but to also get sick, you need close contact – for example, if you hug, lice can move from head to head. Scabies requires prolonged skin-to-skin contact to infect – in the vast majority of cases, it infects family members and sexual partners.

Homeless people are more likely to have tuberculosis than other people. According to rough estimates, 4.2% of homeless people in Moscow have tuberculosis requiring treatment. It spreads by airborne droplets, not through objects. But this does not mean that it is easy to catch tuberculosis from a homeless person. If a person is diagnosed with active tuberculosis, the World Health Organization recommends checking first of all those who were close to the patient often and for a long time – people who live with him or work indoors. Mycobacteria can be transmitted in other conditions, but in any case, the risks are usually higher in a confined space, and not on the street.

But even if a person has inhaled mycobacteria, this does not mean that he will develop an active form of tuberculosis – it can be latent: in this case, the bacteria “sleep” and the symptoms of the disease do not appear. Every fourth person in the world has a latent form of tuberculosis. There are no such data in Russia, but, according to Anna Belozerova, a phthisiatrician at the Rassvet clinic, this is about 60–70% of people.

On the other hand, even if a person has already encountered mycobacteria and they live in his body, meeting new ones can still be dangerous. According to Dr. Belozerova, this mechanism is the leading one in the spread of tuberculosis in epidemiologically disadvantaged countries, it is called exogenous superinfection. The highest risk of getting sick with an active form of tuberculosis when meeting with mycobacteria (first or not first) is in people with untreated HIV infection (with a CD4+ cell count of less than 350), with decompensated diabetes mellitus of any type, alcohol and drug addiction, and in preschool children ( the risk is highest in children under two years of age).

In about 5% of cases, dormant mycobacteria will at some point manifest themselves and cause symptoms.