Pinworm eggs can cause anal itching and restlessness at night, but overall the infection is generally minor.
At night, female pinworms come out of the colon to lay their eggs on the anus.
This causes itchiness that can lead to restlessness during sleep.
jose carlos cerdeno martinez / Getty Images
Children
Pinworm infection is most common in school-aged children, making it a fairlycommon childhood illness.
Adults might also experience nervousness or a loss of appetite in severe cases.
Anal and Vaginal
Most often, people experience pinworms in the anal area.
Pinworms live in the colon or rectum and lay their eggs by the anus.
However, people can also experience additional symptoms if they have pinworms in the vagina.
The additional symptoms can include:
Where Do Pinworms Come From?
A person gets a pinworm infection when they unintentionally swallow pinworm eggs.
Risks of Untreated Pinworms
Pinworms generally have few risks.
To treat pinworms, the medication is taken as one dose.
When Do Symptoms Warrant Prescription Treatment?
There are two types of prescription medications used to treat pinworms.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you or your child fall into one of these groups.
Look for pinworms, which are typically white and about the size of a staple.
They might look like threads.
The Tape Test
This test is considered the best way to look for pinworms.
Heres how to do it:
Sometimes, your healthcare provider will provide you with a pinworm test kit.
In that case, follow the directions on the kit.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Pinworms?
Because of that, its recommended that you take another dose of medication, two weeks after the first.
Summary
Pinworms are the most common worm infection in Americans.
They mostly impact children, their caregivers, and people who live in group options.
Washing your hands frequently and doing laundry with hot water can also help you avoid reinfection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pinworm infection.
Nemours KidsHealth.Pinworm infections (for parents).
New York State Department of Health.Pinworm infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of pinworm infection.
