What can be the signs of a pinworm infestation?
The typical symptom of pinworm infestation is anal itching, which is caused by the laid eggs. Often the worms are also visible in the stool with the naked eye.They present themselves as tapering, bright white, up to 12 mm long, thread-like formations. The smaller males die after mating and are excreted with the stool. They are only up to 5 mm long and therefore easier to miss. The larger females can also be excreted alive and therefore sometimes attract attention by movement in the stool.
Associated symptoms
The classical symptom of itching of the anus, which is a classic feature of pinworm infestation, can be accompanied by other symptoms. Especially in children, behavioural problems and growth delays can occur during the course of the disease. Due to the itching at night, the children sleep less well, which is shown during the day by conspicuous behavior resulting from overtiredness.
Less frequently, stomach aches can also occur (see below). A more frequent phenomenon in pinworm infestation, on the other hand, is the spread of the infection to the genital area in girls. The eggs can also be distributed to the vulva, where worms can also hatch.
These lead to inflammation of the vulva and vagina and can be detected there macro- or microscopically. Itching is the characteristic symptom of pinworm infestation, which usually leads those infected to a doctor. It occurs mainly at night and in the anal region.
The itching leads to the absorption of the worm eggs onto the fingers and is responsible for further distribution or infection. If the infection lasts longer and the worms multiply in the intestine, inflammation can occur there. These lead to abdominal pain and cramps, which can manifest themselves as appendicitis, up to fulminant peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum). Such courses are quite rare, however. In children, such inflammations can in turn lead to growth inhibition.
Treatment and therapy
If possible, pinworm infestation should always be treated with medication. A number of antiparasitic substances are available for this purpose (see below). Additional measures can also be taken.
These usually serve to prevent the further spread and infection of other family members. Underwear with a tight waistband can possibly prevent the nightly scratching of the anus. Shortened fingernails also help to reduce the uptake and distribution of eggs.
If an infestation with pinworms is known, careful hand hygiene should be maintained during treatment and for about two weeks afterwards. Used towels, bed linen and clothing should be washed at at least 60°. Possibly contaminated surfaces and objects can be easily cleaned of adherent eggs by washing them with hot water. It is also advisable to take a shower in the morning after getting up, before the eggs laid overnight can be distributed. These measures minimize the risk of repeated self infection and the infection of others.
