Pictures of anal worms

Pinworms are small, white worms Enterobius vermicularis that infest the intestines. The worms, which look like quarter-inch-long pieces of dental floss, can be seen wiggling around the anus and in the stool. Pinworms are most common in school-age kids, but any age child, even babies, can get them, especially if they go to daycare or have siblings who get pinworms. It can be upsetting to discover that your child has pinworms, but keep in mind that, like lice , this common childhood malady isn't a sign of poor hygiene. The worms rarely pose a health risk, and — unlike lice — they're easily eradicated. Heavy infestations of pinworms can cause weight loss, and, in girls, urinary tract infections or infections in the abdomen.

Last Updated: September 3, References Approved. He received his MD from Dalhousie University in He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 1,, times. Pinworms, or threadworms, are tiny, worm-like parasites that cause severe itching around the anus. The body is sometimes able to fight off mild infestations, especially if home treatment is provided.

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Pinworm infection , also known as enterobiasis , is a human parasitic disease caused by the pinworm. The disease is spread between people by pinworm eggs. Treatment is typically with two doses of the medications mebendazole , pyrantel pamoate , or albendazole two weeks apart.