Overview
Pinworms, also called threadworms, are tiny white worms that infect the gut and are very common in children. The female worms come out at night to lay eggs around the back passage, causing intense night-time itching. The eggs spread easily on fingers, bedding and clothing, so whole families are often affected. Though annoying and disruptive to sleep, the infection is harmless and easily cured with deworming medicine taken by everyone at home, plus good hygiene.
Symptoms
- Intense itching around the back passage, worse at night
- Disturbed sleep and irritability in children
- Tiny thread-like white worms visible around the anus or in stools
- Itching around the genitals in girls
- Several family members itching at once
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent night-time bottom itching; treat all household members together and wash bedding and clothes hot.
Causes
The pinworm parasite, spread by swallowing eggs picked up from hands, bedding, clothing and surfaces contaminated by an infected person.