Pinworms are tiny white worms which are also known as threadworms or seatworms. A pinworm is about the size of a staple pin and spends most of its life inside the rectum of human beings. When the infected individual is asleep, the female worm exits the intestines through the anal canal and leaves eggs around the anal area. Pinworms are extremely common especially in children. Once the eggs are deposited on the skin of the anal area, the eggs become capable of causing infection in other people. The eggs can survive up to a period of two weeks on objects such as clothes or bed linen. The infection occurs when an individual accidentally swallows these eggs. This could happen due to poor hygiene and inadequate washing of the hands. When the infection develops, there may be severe itching around the anal area. In some cases, the itching may also be experienced in the vaginal area. In rare cases, other symptoms may also occur such as an upset stomach, appetite loss, restlessness, insomnia and irritability. The symptoms result from the laying of eggs by the female pinworm. Most individuals who are infected display very few or no symptoms at all, but if the infection is severe, the symptoms can become intense.
Medicines are usually effective in treating pinworms. There are also some home remedies which are known to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of a pinworm infection. The most beneficial of these home remedies is to practice good hygiene. Children especially must be taught to maintain good hygiene in the anal and genital areas. They must also be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap before eating meals or after going to the toilet. Also trim the nails regularly and keep them short so that eggs do not get lodged beneath the nails. The eggs can also be detected easily when the nails are short. Garlic is another beneficial remedy for pinworms. Eating a couple of cloves of garlic daily will help to prevent pinworm infection. A small pinch of garlic paste may even be mixed with some petroleum jelly and applied to the anus and surrounding skin to relieve itching. The intake of garlic must also be increased through the diet. Consuming a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with water is also known to be effective in treating pinworms. A cup of grated carrot consumed every morning is another popular remedy for pinworm infection.
answered by M W