What are pinworms?
Pinworms, scientifically known as Enterobius vermicularis, are small parasitic worms that live mainly in the human intestine. Typically measuring between 5 and 10 mm, these parasites are particularly common in children, although adults are not exempt from risk. Main symptoms include intense itching around the anus, particularly at night, which can lead to sleep disturbance and irritability.
How are pinworms transmitted?
Pinworms are transmitted mainly by ingestion of their eggs. This can occur through contact with contaminated surfaces - such as door handles, toys or bedding - or directly from the hands of one infested person to another. So it's crucial to maintain rigorous hygiene, including regular hand-washing and avoiding hand-to-mouth contact.
What treatments are available for pinworms?
The treatment of pinworms is essentially based on the administration of antiparasitic drugs. Mebendazole and albendazole are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs are effective in eliminating worms, but a second dose is often required after two weeks to treat eggs that did not hatch during the first treatment. It is also advisable to treat all household members to avoid reinfestation.
How can pinworm infestation be prevented?
Pinworm infestations can be prevented by several key practices:
Is it possible to get rid of pinworms for good?
With the right treatment and sustained hygiene measures, it's quite possible to get rid of pinworms once and for all. However, vigilance is still called for, as reinfestations are frequent, especially in environments where children play and interact closely.
How to recognize the symptoms of pinworm infestation?
The main symptoms of pinworm infestation are anal itching, especially intense at night, which can disrupt sleep. In some individuals, pinworms can also cause digestive symptoms such as mild abdominal pain or nausea. In girls and women, intense infestation can sometimes lead to vulvovaginitis as the worms move into the vaginal area.
Can pinworms cause complications if left untreated?
Although generally benign, untreated pinworm infestations can occasionally lead to complications such as secondary infections due to incessant scratching, or persistent sleep disturbances. In rare cases, pinworms can cause appendicitis if the worms penetrate the appendix.
What diagnostic methods are used to detect pinworms?
Pinworms are often diagnosed by direct observation of the worms around the anus, particularly at night or in the early morning. A more systematic method is the adhesive tape test (or Graham test), in which a transparent adhesive tape is applied to the anal area to collect pinworm eggs, which are then examined under a microscope.
Can pets transmit pinworms to humans?
No, pinworms are not transmitted between pets and humans. Pinworms are specific to the human species, which means that even if a pet has similar symptoms, it is probably infested with a different type of parasite that cannot infect humans.
How to deal with pinworm infestations in schools and nurseries?
In a school or nursery environment, it's crucial to implement strict hygiene practices to prevent the spread of pinworms. Inform parents as soon as a case is detected, encourage frequent hand-washing, daily cleaning of surfaces and objects frequently touchedand ensuring that all infested children receive appropriate treatment are key measures for controlling an epidemic.
