पिनवार्म

Pinworms are most active at night, 2 to 3 hours after bedtime. The female worm comes out through the anus, and deposits eggs in the perineal area. The perineal area is between the thighs and runs from the anus to the genitals.

Pinworms are visible to the naked eye. They are about the size of a staple, yellow-white in color, and look like a fine piece of thread, which moves actively.

का कारण बनता है

A small white worm called Enterobius vermicularis causes pinworm infection. A separate species also causing infection ( E gregorii) has been reported in England.

Pinworms are spread by accidentally eating the eggs of the worm that can be found on infected clothing, bedding, toys, or in the stool of an infected person (eg, diapers).

जोखिम कारक

जोखिम कारक वह चीज़ है जो आपको किसी बीमारी या स्थिति के होने की संभावना को बढ़ाती है। जोखिम कारकों में शामिल हैं:

• Age: 5 to 14 years old
• Contact with an infected person (usually a child or family member of infected child)
• Contact with contaminated clothing, bedding, or object
• Regular exposure to schools, daycare centers, and other places where pinworms may be present

लक्षण

लक्षणों में शामिल हो सकते हैं:

• Itchy perineal area, worse at night
• Disturbed sleep
• चिड़चिड़ापन

Symptoms may be worse at night. While the itching caused by pinworms can be very disturbing, pinworms do not otherwise cause serious medical illness. Many people infected with pinworms have no symptoms.

निदान

When present, pinworms can frequently be seen in stool or on the skin around the anus. If pinworm infestation is suspected but no worms are seen, then the “tape test” is often employed.

To detect the presence of pinworms: Place a piece of clear adhesive tape over the anus, press, and remove. Repeat 2 to 3 times with new tape. Bring adhesive tape samples to the doctor, who will examine it for pinworms. Some laboratories supply special tape or “pinworm paddles” to use for this test.

The best time to do this test is 2 to 3 hours after bedtime, or before bathing in the early morning.

उपचार

If treatment is needed, pinworm infections are most commonly treated with prescription medications such as Albenza (albendazole) or Vermox (mebendazole), though pyrantel pamoate may also be used. Pyrantel pamoate is available over-the-counter under several names such as Pin-X, and PinRid. These agents should be avoided if you are or may become pregnant. Consult with your physician concerning therapy if you are or may become pregnant.

You should consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment. Medication is generally given in two or more doses, each separated by two weeks. To avoid reinfection, all members of the family should usually be treated.

रोकथाम

To prevent pinworm infection:

• Always wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating.
• Change and wash underwear daily.
• Bathe shortly after waking up to reduce egg contamination.
• Discourage nail biting and scratching anal areas.