Pinworm infection can create a lot of discomfort for children as it causes itching in the anal area. If such symptoms are marked, you should immediately report to your doctor so that he or she can suggest appropriate medications. Read on to find more about the common symptoms of pinworm infection in children.Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection that infects the intestines and the anal area. Pinworms are small and white in colour and their size ranges between 2-13mm. The infection may develop in any individual but it is most common in kids between the ages 5-10. This infection is very contagious and can spread from one person to another, especially to the close family members. The most common symptom is itching in the anal area.
Pinworm infection is very contagious and before knowing a person can get infected with pinworms. It is caused by unintentionally swallowing or inhaling pinworm eggs, usually carried by contaminated food, drink, your fingers or your child’s toy. Once the pinworms enter your body, their journey starts through the intestine where many eggs are hatched and they reach as adult pinworms to the anal area.
Symptoms of Pinworm Infection
Few people do not have any symptoms of pinworm infection. However, if you notice your child with the following symptoms, take him or her to the doctor.
Your child may be itching frequently in the anal or vaginal area.
This itching may increase during night when the pinworms are most active.
You can sometimes see a pinworm in your child’s anus, especially in the night when it is dark (with the help of a light put on suddenly).
Pinworms come out around the rectum area to lay their eggs, so they may be visible.
Pinworms can also be seen sometimes in the bathroom after your child has used it.
It can also be seen in your child’s underwear in the morning.
You can also sometimes see a pinworm in the stool that your child passes out.
Pinworms can also be checked by taking a transparent tape and pressing on to your child’s anus.
If the child is infected, eggs will stick on the tape and can be seen under a microscope in a laboratory. This is also known as “Tape Test”.
Rashes, pain and skin irritation around the anal or vaginal area caused by frequent itching.
Your child may have difficulty in sleeping or have a restless sleep because of frequent itchiness.
Though it is not so common symptom, but if pinworms are present in the intestines, it can lead to abdominal pain and nausea.
Pinworm infection can sometimes spread to the vagina and cause a vaginal discharge in girls.
If the itching leads to broken skin, it can also lead to a bacterial skin infection.
Treatments of Pinworm Infection
Let us take a look at some of the common treatments for pinworm infection in children.
Medication
Doctors generally treat pinworm infection with an oral medication. Since pinworms spread very easily and quickly, everyone in the house (including the people who are in close contact with the infected child) are treated for the infection at the same time so that the infection does not reappear.
Strict Hygiene
Along with medical treatment, you need to maintain strict hygiene in your house for a period more than three weeks to fully remove this infection and avoid it from reoccurring.
Natural Remedies
There are various home remedies that you can try to treat pinworm infection, like eating high fiber food, probiotic rich food, garlic, onion, carrots, coconut, etc. You should also remember to avoid high sugar food and carbohydrates as pinworms can multiply in these very quickly.Pinworms are harmless but if you notice your child having any of the above mentioned symptoms, get the infection treated immediately. The most common symptom is itching in the anal area. You need to give your child proper medication as per your doctor’s prescription, maintain strict hygiene conditions in your house and try some of the natural remedies to fully remove this infection and avoid its reoccurrence.What are pinworms? How to get rid of pinworm infection in children? What are the common signs and symptoms of pinworm infection in children? Discuss here.
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