Pinworms are small, thin, white worms that can live and reproduce in the large intestine and rectum of humans. Pinworm infection can be experienced by anyone, but this condition is more common in children aged 5–10 years.
Pinworm infection or enterobiasis is a worm infection that is highly contagious and the most common. This infection can cause itching in the anus which is very disturbing to the sufferer. Even so, pinworm infections are relatively easy to overcome.
Causes and Risk Factors for Pinworms
Pinworm infection is caused by worms Enterobius vermicularis. This worm is very small, which is about 0.6–1.3 cm, especially the eggs. The very small size of the eggs is what causes the transmission of pinworms to be very easy.
Infection occurs when pinworm eggs enter the human body and hatch in the digestive tract. In the digestive tract, worms will grow up and reproduce.
Pinworms lay eggs around the anus at night. This activity causes sufferers to experience itching in the anus.
The entry of pinworm eggs into the human body can occur in several ways. Here is the explanation:
Direct contact with eggs
Pinworm eggs can stick to the surface of objects for 3 weeks. If a person touches an object that is contaminated with pinworm eggs, the eggs can stick to their hands and last up to several hours.
Transmission of pinworms generally occurs when the eggs in the hands enter through the mouth when a person eats. In children, eggs can enter when they put their hand in their mouth, such as when biting their nails, sucking their thumb, or when they put a toy in their mouth.
Egg inhalation
Worm eggs can also enter the human body through the nose. This usually occurs when a contaminated object, such as a towel or clothing, is shaken. As a result, pinworm eggs float in the air and are inhaled when a person breathes.
Autoinfection
The presence of pinworm eggs around the anus can cause itching. If the itching is scratched, many eggs can stick to the finger. If a person with pinworms does not maintain good hand hygiene, worm eggs can easily be swallowed again. This means the infection will repeat itself from the start.
The following are some factors that can increase a person's risk of getting a pinworm infection:
- 5–10 years old
- Living in a crowded and slum neighborhood
- Having a family member who is infected with pinworms
- Have a habit of sucking fingers or biting nails
- Not washing hands properly
Symptoms of Pinworms
Pinworm infections often do not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms can appear if there are too many worms growing in the intestines. Symptoms can include:
- Itching in the anus or vagina, especially at night
- Difficulty sleeping because of itching
- Bruxism (involuntary grinding of teeth)
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating due to itching
- Stomach ache
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bedwetting or pain when urinating
- Redness or sores around the anus from scratching too often
When to go to the doctor
Pinworm infections are easy to treat once diagnosed. However, late treatment can lead to severe or recurrent infections. Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if you or your child experience the typical symptoms of a pinworm infection in the form of itching in the anus at night.
Pinworm Diagnosis
To diagnose pinworm infection, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and complaints experienced, daily habits, as well as the patient's and family's medical history.
In addition, the doctor will also examine the patient's anal area. In patients with severe infection, pinworms may be seen around the anal canal. While in some other cases, signs that can be seen due to pinworm infection are skin irritation or sores around the anus due to scratching.
If the results of the physical examination do not find any typical signs, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations, such as:
Tape test
This test is done by placing a clear tape around the anus. The duct tape test should be done in the morning before taking a shower or urinating, for 3 days in a row.
To confirm the presence or absence of pinworm eggs, take the used tape to the doctor for examination under a microscope.
Analysis of the sample under the nail
The doctor can scrape the underside of the fingernails that are often used to scratch the anus. The sample will be examined under a microscope to see the presence or absence of pinworm eggs.
Pinworm Treatment
Treatment of pinworm infection aims to kill the pinworms in the patient's intestines and prevent repeated infections.
Please note, pinworm infection is very easy to spread. Therefore, other people who are in the same environment with the patient must also undergo treatment. This is to prevent transmission.
In both adults and children, pinworm infections can be treated with deworming drugs. Drugs that can be given include:
- Pyrantel pamoate
- mebendazole
- Albendazole
It's important to remember, every drug has a different way of taking it. Therefore, follow the doctor's instructions in taking these drugs.
In addition to oral medication, doctors can give you an ointment or cream to treat redness, pain, irritation, or swelling in the anus. Anti-itch medication will also be given so that the patient does not scratch the anus. This is important to reduce the chance of re-infection.
Complications of Pinworms
Pinworm infections very rarely cause complications or serious health problems. However, it can still happen if the pinworm infection is not treated.
In children, itching due to pinworm eggs in the anus can disrupt concentration and cause anxiety. This can interfere with children's learning activities and activities. As a result, children's achievement in school can decrease.
In women, pinworms that reproduce can spread from the anus to the vagina, then to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and around the pelvic organs. This can cause inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis), the lining of the uterus (endometritis), and the fallopian tubes (salpingitis).
In addition to vaginitis and endometritis, other complications that can arise from a pinworm infection are:
- Weight loss
- Eczema or bacterial infection around the anus
- Appendicitis
- Infection inside the abdomen (peritonitis)
- Urethritis
- Urinary tract infection
- Abscess (collection of pus) in the fallopian tubes and ovaries
Pinworm Prevention
There are several ways that can be done to prevent and stop the spread of pinworm infections, namely:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating
- Don't let your nails grow long and always keep your nails clean
- Avoid finger sucking and nail biting
- Do not share the use of personal items, such as towels, clothes, toothbrushes
- Change clothes every day and change bed linen regularly
- Wash sheets, clothes, towels, or other equipment in hot water, and dry them in direct sunlight
- Clean all surfaces of objects in the house regularly
- Let the sun's rays into the house, because the sun's rays can help kill pinworm eggs on the surface of goods
- Always keep the house and environment clean
- Avoid anal sex during sexual intercourse