Pinworms
Book AppointmentPinworms are parasites that infest the intestines when children ingest microscopic pinworm eggs. Pinworms are very common and usually affect school going children.
Pinworm eggs can be transmitted in school, day-care, parks and playgrounds. They can also be inhaled, though this is quite rare. The cycles through which these worms are transmitted are as below:
Your child swallows the egg. The eggs get deposited in your child’s intestines and hatch in about a month.
Once hatched, the female worms crawl to your child’s anus and lay eggs there.
This is likely to cause itching in the anus, and once your child scratches it, the eggs deposit under your child’s fingernails.
These eggs will deposit on anything your child touches.
Once the contaminated products are used by other children, the cycle starts again.
Because pinworms are contagious, if one person of the family has worms, others are likely to get it too.
When to seek expert advise
You should consult a doctor working with the Children’s Hospital Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if your child has severe anal itching.
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Disclaimer
The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.
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