Pinworm infection

About Pinworm infection

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a small intestinal parasite that is the most common helminthic infection in temperate climates, especially in children. Adult worms migrate at night to lay eggs around the anus, causing intense perianal itching, sleep disturbance, and sometimes irritability. Diagnosis is by the “tape test” performed in the morning. Treatment is a single dose of pyrantel pamoate or albendazole, repeated in two weeks, with household contacts often treated simultaneously. Reinfection is common; meticulous hand washing, short fingernails, and frequent laundering reduce spread.