Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. It's a common infection that affects millions of people each year, particularly school-age kids. If your child develops a pinworm infection, try not to worry. Pinworms don't cause any harm just itching and restless sleep , and it won't take long to get rid of them. Pinworm infections also known as "seatworm infection" or "threadworm infection" are contagious.
That anal itch: how to diagnose and permanently get rid of pinworms
Pinworm Infection: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Pinworms are white, parasitic worms that can live in the large intestine of humans. They are about one-half inch long. While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestinal tract and lay their eggs on the skin around the anus. The eggs are laid in a sticky, jelly-like substance that, along with the wriggling of the female pinworm, causes severe itching. Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the United States. School-age children, followed by preschoolers, have the highest rates of infection.
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. The pinworm, also known as threadworm, is a very common intestinal parasite. The medical condition associated with pinworm infestation is known as enterobiasis.
The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as worms migrate to the host's anal area to lay their eggs. Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms lay thousands of eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus.