Common Causes of Pinworm Infection in Children

Is your child affected by pinworms? Here are the common causes of pinworm infections among kids.Pinworm infection is very common in kids especially those between 5-10 years of age. They are one of the most common types of worm infections. They can spread from one child to another. The following are some of the most common reasons for contracting this infection.Pinworm infection can affect adults also. These creepy crawlers can be treated with medicines as prescribed by a doctor however good hygiene also helps. In this articlePinworm Infection is ContagiousAir-BorneSwimming PoolContaminated FoodScratching and ItchingClothingTowelsUtensilsToysBed-SheetsToilet Seats and BathsCan Pets Cause Pinworm Infections?Pinworm Infection is ContagiousOne of the reasons, your child may have a pinworm infection is because he or she has been close to someone who has had such a problem. Pinworms spread easily from one person to another. If someone at home, school or your child’s daycare has this problem then there are high chances of your child being affected by the same.Air-BorneAlthough it is rare, sometimes people do get this infection through air. Pinworms which have laid eggs in the air could get inside the body through breathing. Accidental swallowing is also a common cause.Swimming PoolPinworms can spread through swimming pools hence if you feel that your child has this infection and he or she has recently been to a public pool, then you should get your child tested.Contaminated FoodPinworms can spread through contaminated food and water. If your child eats or drinks water or food containing pinworms, then he can contract this infection.Scratching and ItchingPinworms lay eggs in the child’s anus at night. Suppose your child wakes and scratches the area and puts his or her hand on the toy or bed, then the pinworms will spread to that place. Another person who places his or her hand on the toy or bed will easily contract this infection. Pinworms can survive two to three weeks on any surface.ClothingPinworm infection is contagious, and it can spread through clothing like pyjamas. Wash your child’s clothes separately if he or she has this infection and do not ask siblings to share clothes if even one of them has this infection.TowelsChildren with pinworm infection must not share towels with others. Ask your children to use different towels if even one of them has pinworms.UtensilsUse separate utensils if your children have pinworms since they can spread through utensils also. Children with pinworm infection must not keep touching here and there.ToysAs we all know, children love to play with toys. However, pinworms can easily spread through toys. Hence, when your child has this infection, ask him or her to not keep touching toys and avoid playing with them for a while. This will prevent the infection from spreading to other kids.Bed-SheetsBed-sheets should always be used and washed separately when children are having pinworms. Let children sleep on a separate bed when they are infected by pinworms.Toilet Seats and BathsPinworm infection can spread through toilet seats and baths. Hence, maintain good cleanliness in toilets by regularly washing it after the kid has used it.Can Pets Cause Pinworm Infections?It is a myth that having a pet can cause pinworms. People often assume that having a pet can lead to pinworms. However, that is absolutely not true.Pinworms are small parasitic worms which affect most of the children. Dealing with various illnesses among kids is a part of a parent’s life. Never hesitate to show a doctor for any problem as nowadays almost all ailments are curable.What are the common causes of pinworm infection in children? How to prevent pinworm infection in children? What are the home remedies for treating pinworm infection in children? Discuss here.