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Pinworms, also known as Enterobius vermicularis, are a common parasitic disease that can affect both children and adults.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of threadworm infection, symptoms, how to recognize the infection, and effective treatments and home remedies for pinworms.
Pinworms – causes of infection
Pinworms are microscopic parasites that most often attack the human small intestine. The main cause of infection is contact with pinworm eggs, which may be present on various surfaces, such as clothes, bedding, toys or furniture. Infection can occur when an infected person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth or food without washing their hands thoroughly. Children are particularly vulnerable to infection with threadworms due to their hygiene habits.
Symptoms of pinworm infection in children and adults
Symptoms of threadworm infection may vary depending on age and body response. The most common symptoms of threadworm are:
- Itching around the anus, especially at night
- Skin irritation around the anus
- Anxiety and sleep problems, especially in children
- Feeling of discomfort in the abdominal area
- Pinworms falling out of the anus (rare, but can happen)
It is worth noting that some people infected with pinworms may not show any symptoms, so it is important to regularly test their stools to detect the presence of pinworm eggs.
How to recognize pinworms in children and pinworms in adults?
Diagnosing pinworm is relatively simple and can be done at home. To do this, simply check the child’s or adult’s anal area at night using a light and a mirror. You may notice moving white dots, which are pinworms. You can also examine your stool under a microscope to identify pinworm eggs.
How to get rid of pinworms? treatment of threadworm
Once you have diagnosed enteritis, there are several effective treatments that should be used under medical supervision. The most commonly used drug is mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate. This medicine is effective in killing adult pinworms and their larvae. Treatment usually lasts several days and may need to be repeated after a certain period of time.
Home remedies for pinworms
The coexistence of pharmacological treatment with appropriate hygiene measures is crucial in the control of threadworms. Here are some home remedies that can help eliminate pinworms:
- Washing your hands and nails regularly
- Frequent change of underwear and bedding
- Frequent vacuuming and cleaning of surfaces where pinworm eggs may be present
- Keep your nails short and clean to avoid carrying pinworm eggs
Your suggestions
If you have any additional suggestions or experiences with combating threadworms, please share them with other readers in the comments section below. Knowledge and information on this subject can be very valuable for people struggling with this condition.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about intestinal parasites, their symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you read our other articles on this topic. Gut health is crucial to your overall health, so it’s worth learning about ways to protect it from infection.
Pinworms are a troublesome infection, but with proper knowledge and treatment they can be effectively defeated. Remember that if you suspect a threadworm infection, it is always worth consulting a doctor who will select the appropriate therapy.