Pinworms – causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention. Home remedies for pinworms

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Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are tiny, white, thread-like roundworms that infect the human intestines. These parasites hatch in the small intestine and then travel to the large intestine, where they stay for about one or two months. After this time, female pinworms crawl down and out of the anus with the sole purpose of laying thousands of microscopic eggs. It is estimated that statistically pinworms in Poland appear in 95% of people. population.

The life cycle of pinworms

Infections begin when we ingest pinworm eggs, usually directly through the hands or indirectly through food, bedding, clothing, or other items. The eggs then travel to the intestines where they hatch and mature. The adult pinworm is yellowish whitish, slender and about one centimeter long.

About four weeks after ingestion, the adult female moves down the intestine and leaves the body through the anus to lay a batch of eggs on the surrounding skin, often at night. The worm dies and its reproductive mission is complete.

Eggs can cause intense itching, especially at night, so children can catch it again easily by scratching the anus and thereby scratching the eggs under their fingernails. These eggs can then be transferred into the mouth and the entire life cycle of the pinworm begins anew. Under the right conditions, eggs can survive for several days.

See also: Human parasites: causes, symptoms, treatment

Pinworms – symptoms

If a person has only a small number of adult worms, symptoms will be mild or may not be present at all. Symptoms are worse with severe or moderate infections. About 4 weeks after eating pinworm eggs, mature females leave the intestine and into the anus, where the eggs are deposited in a jelly-like substance.

This substance is believed to cause the itching, which usually happens at night. At the stage of puberty and reproduction, a person with pinworms may experience:

1. sleep problems;
2. itching around the anus, which can be intense at times, especially at night when female pinworms are laying eggs;
3. mild nausea.

People with a severe infection may experience:

1. loss of appetite;
2. severe irritability;
3. intermittent abdominal pain;
4. difficulty sleeping;
5. weight loss.

If pinworm problems are found, all other household members should be treated as well, even if they are asymptomatic.

See also: Bowel diseases – how to recognize them and how to treat them?

Pinworms – causes

The cause of pinworm infection is poor hygiene. The eggs are transferred from an infected person’s anus to another surface or into their own mouth, causing reinfection. If someone else touches this contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, they may swallow the eggs and become infected.

The female pinworm lays eggs around the anus and vagina. Eggs can be transferred from an infected person’s anus to:

1. linen;
2. carpets;
3. hands;
4. towels;
5. underwear and clothes.

The female pinworm releases itchy mucus when laying eggs, prompting the need to scratch the affected area of ​​the anus or vagina. From the hands of the egg, you can transfer it to anything you touch, including:

1. bathroom utensils such as toothbrushes, combs, and brushes;
2. directly on the hands of other people;
3. furniture;
4. kitchen and bathroom surfaces;
5. kitchen tools;
6. toys.

Swallowing pinworm eggs

Eggs can survive on the surface for up to 3 weeks. If they are touched, they will be transferred to the hands. If the hands then touch the person’s mouth, there is a serious risk of swallowing the eggs and contamination.

1. Do you want to get rid of pinworms? Try Against parasites – Panaseus dietary supplement to help with parasite infections.

Inhalation of pinworm eggs

Microscopic eggs can float in the air and then be inhaled and swallowed. This can happen, for example, when shaking towels or sheets. The eggs hatch in the intestines 1 to 2 months after ingestion. After hatching, the female pinworm can lay more eggs.

Poor hygiene among children

Young children are more susceptible to contamination because they tend to wash their hands less thoroughly. Children can also have long-term infections because they constantly swallow fresh eggs. Moreover, children usually remain in close contact with each other, which increases the likelihood of reinfection.

Crowded places

Pinworms are more common in crowded conditions.

Animal hygiene

Pinworms that attack humans cannot infect wild animals or pets. However, some microscopic eggs can land on an animal’s hair and then be transferred to human hands while stroking or playing with them. Please note that the problem is not your pet; it depends on human hygiene.

See also: What exactly is personal hygiene?

Pinworms – diagnostics

The following methods can be used to diagnose pinworms.

Cellophane tape test

This test uses cellophane tape. The doctor sticks a piece of clear plastic tape to the skin around the anus and then looks at the tape under a microscope. Since pinworms tend to lay eggs at night, the test is best done in the early morning. Patients can apply the tape themselves before going to the toilet or bathing. The sample should then be taken to the doctor.

You can buy a postal worm test from a rectal swab on Medonet Market at a favorable price.

A damp cotton swab

The doctor or nurse may take a sample with a moistened cotton ball from around the anus.

Pinworms visible to the naked eye

Occasionally, worms are seen around the anus, underwear, or in the toilet bowl. In the stool, the worms look like little pieces of white cotton thread. Due to their size and white color, pinworms are difficult to see. An adult individual is rare because it remains in the intestine. It is best to look for pinworms at night, when the female goes out to lay eggs. If we check pinworms in our babies, it’s best to do so about 2 to 3 hours after they fall asleep.

Order today Mail-order examination of the intestinal microflora and intestinal markers, which, among others, performed in the direction of the presence of parasites.

See also: Changes in the appearance of your stools

Pinworms – when to see a doctor?

If we are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a baby under 6 months of age and suspect she may have pinworms, see your doctor immediately.

Pinworms – treatment

Pinworm infection is easily cured. Keep in mind that treatment also focuses on preventing reinfection. All family members must undergo medical treatment. Treatment may involve strict hygiene for 6 weeks or the use of medications followed by strict hygiene for 2 weeks. Some medications are available over the counter (OTC) from local pharmacies. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who have a child under 6 months of age, should speak to their doctor.

As an aid in the treatment of pinworms, reach for the herb of wormwood in the form of tea. It is also worth buying Worms – a mixture of herbs available at a promotional price on Medonet Market.

Drugs for pinworms

If medications are used, they should be given to everyone with whom we live. There is a risk of transfer between family members (people in the same household); so the chances of getting infected if someone has been diagnosed with pinworms are high even if no symptoms are present. The drugs used include:

Mebendazole: This drug blocks the ability of pinworms to absorb glucose, effectively killing it within days. It can be taken chewing or as a liquid. A dose of 100 milligrams is taken and is usually repeated after 2 weeks.

Pyrantel Pamoat: This drug is available over the counter to treat pinworms. Paralyzes pinworms. The dose is taken and repeated after 2 weeks.

Albendazole: Like mebendazole, this drug also blocks the ability of pinworms to absorb glucose. One dose of 400 milligrams is taken and then repeated after 2 weeks.

Adequate hygiene should be continued for 2 weeks after the first treatment. However, remember to talk to your doctor before taking any medications.

Treatment of pinworms during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The hygienic method is usually recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, not medications. Neither mebendazole nor albendazole should be taken during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and breastfeeding, medications may be used as needed. However, this decision should be made by the doctor.

Pyrantel should not be used during pregnancy without your doctor’s approval.

See also: What should worry me in the third trimester of pregnancy?

Treatment of pinworms in children and infants

It is recommended to speak to a doctor for children under 2 years of age who require treatment. The hygienic method is often preferred. If other treatment is needed, a specialist may recommend a medicine that is appropriate and safe for the child’s age.

See also: Pinworms in children – symptoms, treatment

Pinworms – home remedies

Some people may be interested in natural home remedies for getting rid of pinworms. It should be emphasized, however, that while there are several popular home remedies for pinworms, there is little scientific evidence to support their use. People who think they have pinworm problems should seek help from a doctor first. Then they can use the home remedies below as a complementary treatment.

Pinworms and wormwood

Early research suggests that the herb wormwood may be effective in treating certain parasitic infections. You can use wormwood to make tea or tincture. It’s best to talk to your doctor before trying it and limit its use to a maximum of 4 weeks.

People have used wormwood for centuries to treat pinworms, including in veterinary medicine. However, there is no scientific evidence that wormwood is effective against pinworm infections in humans.

Pinworms and garlic

Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Some people use it as a supplemental remedy for pinworm infections, duodenal hookworms, and roundworms.

To use garlic, you can eat raw cloves or use chopped garlic in a variety of dishes. An alternative is to mix finely ground garlic with petroleum jelly to create a paste that can be applied directly to the skin around the anus. However, it’s important not to apply the paste to hemorrhoids, damaged skin areas, or irritated skin.

Pinworms and carrots

Raw carrots are high in fiber, which can help maintain a healthy digestive system and support regular bowel movements. Scientists don’t know if carrots fight pinworms directly, but they can help flush the pinworms out of your gut.

If a person is not allergic to carrots, eating carrots raw is a safe home remedy. However, it’s best to wash the carrots first to eliminate bacteria and pesticides.

See also: Pesticides in fruits and vegetables can be dangerous for children

Pinworms and pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin. Very early research suggested that this compound could make pumpkin seeds effective against internal parasites. In fact, in the US Pharmacopoeia, pumpkin seeds were listed as a drug for intestinal parasites between 1863 and 1936.

It is possible to eat pumpkin seeds or mix them with water to make a paste for consumption. However, there is no recent evidence to suggest that pumpkin seeds can help get rid of pinworms.

Pinworms and coconut oil

Coconut oil has a wide variety of home and health uses. It is a popular home remedy for pinworms because many believe that applying the oil to the anal area may prevent the female from laying eggs there.

Some people consume a teaspoon of pure coconut oil every day. As long as a person is not allergic to the oil, they can try it. However, there is no scientific evidence that coconut oil is an effective remedy for pinworms.

Owsiki nation papai

A 2012 study in rats found that papaya seeds can treat parasitic infections. However, no human studies show that they are effective. To take advantage of this approach, you can eat papaya seeds alone or with honey to sweeten them.

Pinworms – complications

While uncomfortable and sometimes disturbing, complications from pinworm infections are rare. However, if they do occur, they can cover different aspects.

1. Urinary tract infection: This occurs more often in women with a strong pinworm infestation. The worms can also migrate into the bladder, causing cystitis.
2. Peritonitis: In women, pinworms can migrate from the anus to the vagina and into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and around the pelvic organs, causing vaginitis or endometritis.
3. Weight Loss: If the infection is severe, the parasite can suck up essential nutrients, causing you to lose weight.
4. Skin infection: Itching can lead to intense scratching that can damage the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
5. Appendicitis: There are cases of pinworms migrating to the appendix.

In the event of serious infections or complications, medication may be necessary. Prevention is usually achievable through appropriate hygiene measures. There are no serious or immediate life-threatening complications. As long as treatment occurs shortly after symptoms appear, pinworms are parasites that can be dealt with easily.

See also: How to cure cystitis after intercourse?

Pinworms – prevention

Strict hygiene measures can prevent pinworm infection and greatly reduce the risk of reinfection. Keep in mind that pinworm lives for about 6 weeks, so any hygiene measures must last at least that long. Everyone in a household with pinworms must follow the most important rules.

1. Wash all bed linen, pajamas and soft toys. Normal washing temperature is acceptable, but rinse well.
2. Vacuum the house thoroughly, especially the bedrooms. Vacuuming must be regular and thorough over a period of 6 weeks.
3. Damp, dusty surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom must be thoroughly cleaned with a cloth often washed in hot water.
4. Do not shake items with eggs, such as clothes, pajamas, bedding or towels.
5. Don’t eat in the bedroom. There is a risk of swallowing eggs that have shaken off the sheets.
6. Make sure everyone’s nails are clipped.
7. Refrain from biting your nails or sucking on your fingers. This may not be easy if there are small children in the house.
8. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently and scrub your nails. Always wash your hands before eating, after going to the toilet and after changing diapers.
9. Wear tight underwear at night. Remember to change your underwear every morning.
10. Cotton gloves can help prevent scratching while sleeping.
11. Take a bath or shower regularly. Wash your body thoroughly, paying particular attention to the area around the anus and vagina. It is recommended to take a shower to avoid contamination of the water in the bathtub.
12. Do not provide towels or pajamas.
13. Toothbrushes should be kept in a closed cabinet and rinsed well before use.

Once the pinworm infestation has cleared, proper hand washing and good hygiene will help prevent reinfection. Good hygiene can prevent another pinworm epidemic in our home, even if the kids catch pinworms from friends at school.

See also: Washing your hands can protect against viruses. How to do it effectively?