by William Menna

Created on: October 22, 2009

Pin worms are parasites that can infest the body's lower digestive system. Pin worms are most prevalent in children, though people of any age can be afflicted with them. Each is about half an inch long, though their eggs, which are responsible for their spread, are not visible to the naked eye. Their eggs can get on hands or under fingernails, on clothing, or onto food or utensils and they enter the body through contact with the mouth.

Symptoms of pin worms are usually recognizable once they mature into their adult form and begin laying eggs. The Mayo Clinic reports that they can cause itchiness around the anus, discomfort around the lower digestive system, and possibly restlessness or insomnia. While the symptoms are not severe, the idea of having worms is often a far more haunting psychologically than physically, but luckily pin worm treatments are simple and effective.

In order to treat pin worms, an anti-parasitic medication is given to the infected person, according to the Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University. Pin worms treatment involves two doses: one is taken immediately and the other is taken two weeks later. Because they spread so easily from person to person, if one member of a household is infected, all members are usually treated with the medication to prevent further infections.

Since they are usually contracted as a result of neglected hygiene or dirty surfaces, prevention of pin worms centers on cleanliness. Regular hand washing is the most important factor, since the hands and fingernails are usually the culprits harboring the eggs. Clothing, especially undergarments, should be changed and washed regularly, since pin worm eggs are initially laid around the anus. All clothes, sheets, towels, and anything else that an infected person has come into contact with should be washed to prevent reinfection.

To get rid of pin worms, take showers instead of baths. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pin worm eggs are more easily washed down the drain in the shower, but they can remain in the water in a bath which can lead to their infection.

Pin worms are tiny parasites that infect the lower digestive system. The Centers for Disease Control report that pin worms are the most prevalent type of worm infection in the U.S. and they are found most frequently in children. Anyone with any questions about pin worms or pin worm treatments or anyone who experiences unexplained itching or discomfort around the anus and insomnia should talk to their doctor.

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