Overview
Pinworms, also called threadworms, are parasitic worms that live in the intestines and rectums of infected people — most commonly children. Pinworms are small and thin (about ¼ inch to ½ inch long), and white or light gray.
Pinworms are called Enterobius vermicularis. A pinworm infection is called enterobiasis.
Your child will need treatment if they have a pinworm infection. Luckily, pinworms don’t usually cause serious medical problems and are easy to cure.
How common are pinworm infections?
Enterobiasis is the most common type of worm infection in the United States. It affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and 1 billion people worldwide.
People of all ages can become infected with pinworms. Still, pinworm infections are most common in children, especially between ages 4 to 11. Rarely, adults get pinworms. Caregivers and family members of infected children have a higher risk of infection.
Pinworm infections pass easily from person to person in places where children are in close contact, including daycare centers, preschools and schools. People who live in institutions also commonly get infected.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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