A common infestation with a small worm, (pinworm), that lives in the intestines. Threadworms primarily affect children. The female adult threadworms are white and about 1 cm long (large enough to see). They lay eggs in the skin around the anus, and their movements cause tickling or itching in the anal region, often at night. Eggs are transferred from the fingers to the mouth to cause reinfestation or are carried on toys or blankets to other children. Swallowed eggs hatch in the intestine and the worms reach maturity after a period of 2–6 weeks. Diagnosis is made by seeing the worms or by applying a piece of sticky tape to the anal area to collect the worms or eggs. Treatment is with an anthelmintic drug.
Threadworm infestation |
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