Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Pinworms
DESCRIPTION
A pinworm is a white, very thin worm about 1/4 inch long
that moves. If it doesn't wiggle, it's probably lint or a
thread. Pinworms usually are seen in the anal and buttock
area, especially at night or early in the morning.
Sometimes a pinworm is found on the surface of a bowel
movement. More than 10% of children have pinworms. They do
not cause any serious health problems. However, they can
cause much itching and irritation of the anal area and
buttocks.
HOME TREATMENT WHEN A PINWORM IS SEEN
- Anti-pinworm medicine
If you have definitely seen a pinworm, your child needs
to be treated with medicine prescribed by your
physician.
- Treatment of other family members for pinworm
Children are usually infected by children outside the
family. If anyone else in your family has itching and
irritation in the anal area, or anyone sleeps with your
child, call your physician during office hours for
instructions. Your physician will determine if it is
necessary for everyone in the family to be treated. If
any of your child's friends have similar symptoms, be
sure to tell their parents to get them tested. Dogs and
cats do not carry pinworms.
SUSPICIOUS SYMPTOMS BUT PINWORM NOT SEEN
- Description
If your child has itching or irritation of the anal
area, he could have pinworms. Keep in mind that many
get itching in this area just from washing the
area too frequently or vigorously with soap.
Check your child for pinworms as follows: First, look
for a 1/4-inch, white, threadlike worm that moves.
Examine the area around the anus using a flashlight. Do
this a few hours after your child goes to bed and first
thing in the morning for two consecutive nights. If no
pinworm is seen, do a Scotch tape test for pinworm eggs.
- Instructions for Scotch tape test
Pick up glass slides at your physician's office (two
for each child) and write your child's name on the
slides. Touch the sticky side of a piece of clear
Scotch tape to the skin on both sides of the anus. Do
this in the morning soon after your child has awakened
and before any bath or shower. Stick the piece of tape
onto a slide. Do this two mornings in a row. Bring the
slides to your physician's office for examination with a
microscope. Your physician will call you to give you
the results. If pinworm eggs are seen on the slides,
your physician will prescribe a medication.
PINWORM EXPOSURE OR CONTACT
If your child has had recent contact with a child who has
pinworms but has no symptoms, your child probably won't get
them. Pinworms are harmless and are never present very long
without causing some anal itching. If you want to be sure
your child doesn't have pinworms, wait at least a month. A
swallowed egg will not mature into an adult pinworm for 3 to
4 weeks. Then contact your physician about doing a Scotch
tape test for pinworm eggs.
PREVENTION OF PINWORMS
Infection is caused by swallowing pinworm eggs. Your child
can get pinworms no matter how carefully you keep your child
and your house clean. The following hygiene measures,
however, can help to reduce the chances of reinfection of
your child or new infections in other people.
- Have your child scrub his hands and fingernails
thoroughly before each meal and after each use of the
toilet. Keep the fingernails cut short because eggs can
collect under the nails. Discourage thumbsucking and
nail biting.
- Vacuum or wet mop your child's entire room once a week
because any eggs scattered on the floor are infectious
for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Machine-washing in warm water will kill any eggs present
in clothing or bedding.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- The skin around the anus becomes red or tender (strep
bacteria have a special affinity for this site).
- The anal itching does not stop within 1 week after
treatment.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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