Children
A pinworm infection sounds like a disgusting and unusual condition. However, pinworms are common among children and sometimes even adults. Even though pinworms are highly contagious and can cause discomfort, they are easily treated and prevented.
Symptoms and Detection
According to FamilyDoctor.org, pinworms are "small, white worms that live in the intestines," and they are more common in children than adults. One sign of infection in a child is itching and scratching around the anal area. FamilyDoctor.org says that children with pinworms may move around in bed and have difficulty sleeping. KidsHealth editor Dr. Mary L. Gavin suggests seeing a doctor if a child is itching and scratching in the anal or vaginal area; ask if pinworms may be to blame if your child has trouble sleeping or has begun to wet the bed. Pinworms can "irritate the urethra---the channel through which urine leaves the bladder and exits the body---and lead to bedwetting." Children spread infections to playmates and families when they scratch the affected area, do not wash hands and touch things they share with others.
Determining if pinworms are to blame for symptoms is a task shared by parents and doctors. Pinworms may be visible at night while a child is sleeping; use a flashlight to look for them around the anus. Another way to diagnose pinworms is the tape test. FamilyDoctor.org says to do the tape test by patting a piece of clear tape on the skin around the anus. You can then take the tape to your doctor, who can use a microscope to check for pinworms or eggs.
Medications
If a doctor has diagnosed pinworms, be reassured that the problem is common--children and parents should not panic about a pinworm infection. MotherNature.com reports that Dr. Robert Pond, physician with the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, says studies show that between 10 and 30 percent of children get them.
According to FamilyDoctor.org, doctors prescribe one of two oral medications: mebendazole (brand name: Vermox) or pyrantel (brand names: Pin-X, Pin-Rid). Patients take both medications in two doses two weeks apart. Several over-the-counter treatments are also available (WebMD.com warns that women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and children younger than two should not take over-the-counter medicine without first talking to a doctor). Some doctors treat all family members at once while others treat one infected person at a time.
Home Treatment and Prevention
Due to the contagious nature of pinworms, prevention of future infections is imperative. Families can take steps to reduce the risk of transmitting them from person to person. Children and adults can practice good hygiene to prevent picking up an infection at school or other public places. FamilyDoctor.org recommends washing all bedding and towels in hot water. Keep fingernails short and encourage hand washing. MotherNature.com suggests buying fun soaps to make hand washing appealing to children. Discourage scratching of the anal area and change underwear frequently. Gavin says itching can outlast oral medications, so creams may ease symptoms and prevent spreading by reducing scratching. Another preventive measure is to open bedroom blinds and curtains during daylight hours. FamilyDoctor.org says pinworm eggs are sensitive to light. Pinworms are irritating but are easily treated with medication and vigilant hygiene.
Tags: FamilyDoctor says, According FamilyDoctor, anal area, around anus, child itching, child itching scratching, easily treated
