Pinworm infection (enterobiasis) is caused by the intestinal roundworm Enterobius vermicularis and usually affects children.

• People acquire the infection when they swallow eggs of the roundworm.
• Often, people have no symptoms other than itching around the anus.
• The infection can be diagnosed by finding the eggs or sometimes the adult pinworm around the anus.
• An antiparasitic drug such as albendazoleSome Trade Names
  ALBENZA
  , given once at diagnosis and once 2 weeks later, cures the infection.

Pinworm infection is the most common roundworm infection in children in the United States.

Infection occurs after pinworm eggs (ova) are swallowed. The eggs develop into larvae in the small intestine, then move to the large intestine. There, the larvae mature within 2 to 6 weeks, and the adult worms mate. After the eggs develop, the adult female worm moves to the rectum and exits through the anus to lay eggs. The eggs are deposited in a sticky, gelatinous substance that sticks to the skin around the anus. From there, eggs can be transferred to fingernails, clothing, bedding, toys, or food. Eggs can survive outside the body up to 3 weeks at normal room temperature. Eggs are often introduced into the mouth from fingers or from contaminated food. Children may reinfect themselves by transferring eggs from the area around their anus to their mouth. Children who suck their thumbs are at increased risk of infection, as are adults who live with children or who practice oral-anal sex.

Did You Know... Pinworm infection is the most common roundworm infection in children in the United States.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Many children who carry pinworms have no symptoms. However, in some, the area around the anus itches because the eggs and the sticky substance around them irritate the skin. With scratching, the skin can become raw and infected with bacteria. In girls, pinworms may cause vaginal itching and irritation.

The diagnosis is made by finding the eggs or, less commonly, adult pinworms around the anus. Eggs can be obtained by patting the skinfolds around the anus with the sticky side of a strip of transparent tape. Eggs should be obtained in the early morning before the child defecates or wipes the area. The tape can be taken to the doctor for microscopic examination. The best way to search for adult pinworms is to examine the child's anus about 1 to 2 hours after the child has been put to bed for the night. The worms are white and hair-thin, but they wiggle and are visible to the naked eye.

Treatment

A single dose of albendazoleSome Trade Names
ALBENZA
, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoateSome Trade Names
PIN-X REESE'S PINWORM MEDICINE
, repeated after 2 weeks, cures pinworm infection. Despite successful drug treatment, reintroduction of infection is common. Thus, some doctors recommend treating the entire family. Clothing, bedding, and toys should be washed frequently, and the environment should be vacuumed to try to eliminate eggs. Anti-itching creams or ointments applied directly to the area around the anus may relieve symptoms.

Last full review/revision March 2007 by Richard D. Pearson, MD