Are Pinworms Dangerous? Remedies and Prevention

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are small, fairly common intestinal parasites that afflict children — and, occasionally, adults. Besides, the thought of worms that live inside your intestines is quite gross and will naturally make you wonder: are pinworms dangerous? The reality is that for most people, it is not a life-threatening condition. Yet, they can be extremely uncomfortable and if not treated, even serious complications may arise. In this article, you’ll find out what pinworms are, their symptoms, natural treatments and the best ways to avoid getting them.

What Are Pinworms?

Threadworms also known as pinworms, are the small white worm they live in the colon and rectum. Female pinworms are especially prolific at night when they deposit eggs around the anus. These eggs are infectious too, and infection can occur through direct contact or by touching shared items like bedding, towels, clothing or toys.

Children, with those between 5 and 10 the most affected group. But adults also get it, typically from kids or through touching objects exposed to the virus. Daycare centers, schools and institutions with communal housing are breeding grounds for the spread of pinworm infections.

What Are the Effects of Pinworms on the Body?

Once swallowed, pinworm eggs hatch in the small intestine and then move to the colon where they develop into adults. Adult pinworms feed on the contents of the bowel and usually cause little or no damage to the GI tract. The vast majority of infections produce only mild or no symptoms, although there may be discomfort and itching, especially at night.

Common Symptoms

• Severe itching of the anus, often worse at night
• Sleep disturbances due to discomfort
• Irritability and restlessness in children
• Intermittent mild abdominal pain or regular nausea

Rare Complications

While rare, you may develop the following complications if a pinworm infection goes untreated:

• Scratching effects; skin irritation or other bacterial infection.
• Uncommonly, worms travel to the urinary system or female pelvic organs
• Some mild digestive upset, such as bloating or gas.
• For most people, pinworm infection is an annoyance and not a serious medical problem.

Are Pinworms Dangerous?

Pinworms are not generally dangerous. The primary effects are itching and irritation, which also may interfere with sleep and other activities of daily life. Complications are uncommon, and avoiding such by prompt and clean treatment is classical advice. If you notice the symptoms early and get treated, it can save you the discomfort during an outbreak as well as protect against spreading infection.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some people are more prone to pinworm infestations:

• Kids: Their hygiene habits are still forming = higher risk for infection.
• With families with children: Eggs can be spread quickly among family members, leading to frequent reinfection.
• Adults who come into close contact with children: Parents, teachers and child care providers are susceptible.
• People in overpopulated or unclean settings: They are at higher risk for chronic infection and reinfection.

How Are Pinworms Diagnosed?

A tape test is how pinworm infection is usually detected. This easy examination can be done by applying a piece of clear adhesive tape around the anal area to capture eggs for viewing under the microscope. Stool samples are unreliable as eggs rarely occur in feces.

When to See a doctor

The following are reasons to see a health care provider:

• Persistent anal itching
• Severe abdominal pain
• Sleep disruption affecting daily life
• Symptoms of secondary infection like redness, swelling or pus

Early identification will mean the illness can be managed well and not have a chance of passing it to other family members.

Treatment of Pinworms

Pinworm infections can be treated with medications, including:

• Mebendazole
• Albendazole
• Pyrantel pamoate

Normally, a second dose is advised after 14 days because of stray worms that hatch subsequently. Managing all family members together is important to avoid reinfestation.

Natural or Home Treatment for Pinworms

Along with medication, some home remedies can also help to ease symptoms:

• Garlic
• Carrots
• Coconut Oil
• Good Hygiene
• Bitter melons

This homeopathic product has some value for symptomatic relief, though it should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications that are most effective in eradicating pinworms.

What If Pinworms Go Untreated?

Without treatment, pinworm infections can last for months or years. Possible consequences include:

• Anal Itching that Won’t go Away and Sleeplessness
• Infections of the skin from scratching vigorously
• It is unusual for them to migrate into the urinary or genital tract.
• Continuous reinfection among household members

Infections are easily curable, provided they are effectively managed: this is the most effective way to avoid complications in the vast majority of cases, and it is what matters most to children who can be treated as comfortably as adults.

Prevention of Pinworm Infections

How to prevent pinworms It requires a mixture of hygiene actions and an aggressive approach:

• Be sure to wash hands before meals and after using the bathroom
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Hot-water bedding, towel-washing and clothing washing Wear only cleanse regularly with hot water
• Regularly vacuum and dust the furniture.
• When one individual is infected, consider treating all family members

You can control pinworm infections by practicing good hygiene and quickly treating infected individuals.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Enterobiasis (Pinworm Infection).”