It depends on your symptoms and how long you’ve had them for. If you experience mild itching around the anus or in the genital area, these may be signs of pinworms. Additionally, if you find small threads or white spots around your anus, these can also be signs of pinworms.
If your symptoms have been present for a few weeks, it’s best to go to an urgent care or doctor to have it properly diagnosed. The doctor can confirm if you have pinworms and make sure the best course of treatment is taken.
If the itching is severe and you have other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever, it is best to seek medical advice immediately as these can be signs of something more serious than pinworms.
What do doctors do when you have pinworms?
When a patient has pinworms, typically the doctor will first diagnose the condition by performing a physical examination of the patient’s rectal area and/or taking a stool sample. If the doctor suspects pinworms are present, they may request the patient recover the adult worms on a piece of adhesive tape applied to the skin near the anus.
Once a pinworm infection is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe an oral medication to treat the condition, typically taken over a three-day period. In addition, the doctor may recommend cleaning bedding, clothing, and all surfaces that have been in contact with the infected person to help prevent re-infestation and help keep the infection from spreading to others.
Some doctors may also prescribe an anti-parasite medication for family members and other people who live in the household. Since pinworms can often spread through casual contact, doctors might also recommend living and sleeping areas in the house to be treated with insecticides, as well as washing the patient’s bedding, nightclothes, and underwear in hot water.
If the pinworm infection does not show signs of improvement after the course of prescribed medication, the doctor may decide to treat the patient with another course of medication or refer them to a specialist.
Do pinworms go away if untreated?
Pinworms will not go away if left untreated, and can continue to be passed from one person to another. The lifecycle of the pinworm is short, lasting only about 1-2 months, which is why re-infection is common.
If left untreated, there is a chance for the pinworms to spread to other areas of the body, such as the ears, eyes, and bladder. If pinworms are suspected, it is important to seek medical attention to get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.
Treatment is typically done with medications that help to kill off the pinworms. Additionally, any clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infected person should be washed in hot water and dried in high heat to prevent re-infection.
Proper hygiene practices such as washing the hands after using the bathroom and before meals can also help to prevent re-infection.
Can you treat pinworms without going to the doctor?
Yes, it is possible to treat pinworms without going to the doctor. Over-the-counter medications like pyrantel pamoate (which comes in the form of a liquid or chewable tablet) can be used to treat pinworms.
You can also treat pinworms with home remedies, such as wrapping a few garlic cloves in a piece of cheesecloth and then dipping this into a glass of warm milk and drinking it twice a day. Additionally, taking a warm bath every day, cleaning frequently, and vacuuming furniture and carpets can also help to get rid of pinworms.
However, if the home remedies and over-the-counter medications do not get rid of the pinworms, it is recommended that you should seek medical help.
What happens if you don’t do anything about pinworms?
If you don’t do anything about pinworms, the infection may spread to other people if proper hygiene isn’t practiced. This could include not washing hands after using the restroom, coming in contact with someone else’s bedding or clothing, or using a toilet seat or towel not belonging to you.
The risk of the infection spreading to other people or pets increases if proper hygiene isn’t practiced.
In addition to the risk of passing pinworms to other people, leaving a pinworm infection untreated can cause other unpleasant symptoms like itching, disturbed sleep, and abdominal pain. Symptoms generally worsen over time if nothing is done about the infection so it’s important to take steps to manage and control the spread of pinworms.
It is also important to take steps to identify and treat the source of the problem. This can include regularly washing bedding, nightwear, and underwear in hot water, disinfecting bathrooms, thoroughly cleaning toilets and other areas used frequently, and maintaining good hygiene habits.
Additionally, consulting with a doctor to discuss treatment options may be necessary to treat a pinworm infection.
Are pinworms an emergency?
No, pinworms are not considered an emergency. Pinworms, also known as threadworms, are the most common type of worm infection in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In general, pinworms cause only mild symptoms such as itching in the anal area and insomnia. Treatment is typically a single dose of over-the-counter medication such as mebendazole. It is important for people who are infected to seek treatment to keep from spreading the infection to others.
If a person experiences more severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain or abnormal bleeding, they should seek medical attention to rule out a more serious infection. Pinworms are relatively easy to treat, so unless the symptoms are causing a serious disruption in daily life, they’re not considered an emergency.
Can I treat pinworms myself?
Yes, you can treat pinworms yourself, however, it is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. The treatment for pinworms involves taking a single dose of an oral medication called mebendazole (Vermox) to kill adult worms.
In addition to that, prescription medications such as pyrantel pamoate or pyrvinium pamoate may be prescribed to treat the infection. It is important to note that the medications prescribed by your healthcare provider are usually the most effective way to treat pinworms, as the single dose of mebendazole may not be able to kill all the worms in your body.
Other treatments that may help alleviate pinworm-related symptoms include:
– good hygiene such as washing your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom
– disposing of used toilet paper, diapers and other contaminated materials properly
– washing bedding, toys and other fabric items in hot water and drying them on a hot cycle
– cleaning floors and surfaces with a detergent-based product
– changing underwear daily
In addition to these treatments, it is important to note that pinworms can easily spread from person to person, even if you have been treated for the infection. Therefore, it is important for everyone in your household to be examined for pinworms and receive treatment, if necessary.
Can pinworms be treated at home?
Yes, pinworms can be treated at home with medication that can be obtained over-the-counter or by prescription. Treatment typically includes two doses of the medication given two weeks apart. To ensure the infection is completely cleared, all household members should be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms.
In addition, bedding, clothing and towels should be washed and vacuumed, and surfaces around the home should be disinfected. People who have been infected should make sure to practice good hygiene and wash their hands regularly.
It’s also important to trim fingernails and discourage nail-biting to avoid re-infection. While pinworms can be treated at home, it’s important to talk to a doctor if the infection persists for more than two weeks or if any symptoms become worse.
How do I check myself for pinworms?
The most common way to check for pinworms is to perform the “tape test”. To do this, you need to adhere a piece of transparent adhesive tape (such as Scotch tape) close to the anal area in the early morning before bathing or having a bowel movement.
The tape can be used to collect microscopic eggs and adult worms which may be present.
After applying the tape, check it for tiny white worms. If no worms are seen, smear a sample of the tape onto a glass slide and examine it under a microscope. Use low power (10X) to examine the slide carefully.
The eggs and worms of pinworms are small and can be seen as white moving objects.
If pinworms are present, you will be able to observe them moving around on the slide. If you are having difficulty identifying pinworms, bring the taped sample to your doctor or health care provider to be examined under the microscope.
Where can I get treatment for pinworms?
Pinworms, also known as threadworms, are a type of parasitic worm that can cause itching and discomfort in the anal area. If you think you may have pinworms, it’s important to visit a doctor for treatment.
Your doctor can diagnose pinworms through a physical examination and, in some cases, a stool sample. If a diagnosis is made, your doctor can provide you with a treatment plan, which may include prescription medications.
These medications may be taken orally, as a topical cream, or as an ointment applied to the anus. Additionally, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter cream or ointment to help relieve the itching and irritation associated with pinworms.
You can find these products at your local pharmacy or drug store. In addition, you may need to take certain steps at home to help with the treatment and prevention of pinworms, such as washing your hands frequently, washing your bedding regularly, and avoiding sharing personal items.
Can you get pinworm medication over-the-counter?
Yes, it is possible to get pinworm medication over-the-counter. Common treatments for pinworms are mebendazole and pyrantel pamoate, which are available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
It is important to note that over-the-counter medications can only be used to treat light infestations and seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. Additionally, you should follow the instructions on the label and if necessary, consult with a doctor or pharmacist prior to beginning treatment.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic as well. Additionally, keep in mind that different medications are meant for different ages, so it’s important to read the label and make sure the medication is safe for you or your child.
Furthermore, it’s important to practice hygienic habits such as washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, laundering the sheets and clothing in hot water and vacuuming carpets and furniture in order to prevent reinfestation.
What doctor treats pinworms in adults?
The doctor that typically treats pinworms in adults is an Internal Medicine or Family Practice physician. Often, pinworm infestations are diagnosed simply by visual examination of the anal region, however, some physicians may take a tissue sample to confirm the presence of worms.
In order to treat pinworms in adults, the doctor may prescribe medication containing mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole. To prevent reinfection, it is important that the patient washes their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before eating, wears underwear that has been recently laundered, and washes bedding and towels in hot water.
Additionally, it is important for all other members of the household to be treated in order to avoid reinfection or spreading the infestation.
What happens if pinworms go untreated?
Pinworms, also known as Enterobius vermicularis, are a type of parasitic roundworm that typically infect the human gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated, pinworms can cause several health issues, including anal itching, insomnia, irritability, abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite.
These worms are highly contagious, and may spread from person to person via fecal-oral contact. It is also possible to contract pinworms through contaminated objects and surfaces. The most common way to contract pinworms is by ingesting their eggs, which can be found on contaminated vegetables, fruits, and other food items.
If left untreated, pinworms can remain in the digestive tract for extended periods of time, sometimes even more than one year. This can lead to excessive irritation and inflammation of the intestinal walls, leading to abdominal pain, cramps and even nausea.
As the worms continue to reproduce and inhabit the digestive tract, the infection can spread to other organs, including the lungs and liver. This can lead to an increase in the severity of symptoms, including fever, weight loss, and general malaise.
Pinworms can also cause anemia due to the presence of these worms in the digestive system, which can result in anemia due to iron deficiency. Additionally, if left untreated, pinworm infections can cause urinary tract infections, complications during pregnancy and even lead to obstruction of the intestines, resulting in surgical intervention.
In rare cases, pinworm infections can even lead to appendicitis. Pinworms can also lead to secondary skin infections, caused by scratching the infected area.
Therefore, it is important to treat pinworm infections as soon as possible. Treatment typically involves medications that are effective in killing the worms. These medications are typically taken in two doses and in conjunction with good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and cleaning of the infected area.
Additionally, along with treatment, inhabitants of the same household should be screened for the infection as well.
Who diagnoses pinworms?
Pinworms, or Enterobius vermicularis, are usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider. A diagnosis is usually made when a patient reports itching or irritation around the anus, which can be a symptom of pinworm infection.
In addition, the healthcare provider may inspect the patient’s anus and surrounding area for pinworms or their eggs, which are visible to the naked eye. They may also take a sample of the area and place it on a slide in order to inspect it under a microscope to check for the presence of eggs or adult worms.
If the diagnosis is still uncertain, the healthcare provider may order a blood test or an imaging test like X-ray or ultrasound.
Is it normal for adults to get pinworms?
Yes, it is normal for adults to get pinworms. Pinworms affect both children and adults, although the highest rate of infection tends to be in children. Pinworms are tiny, thread-like parasitic worms that live in the large intestine and spread easily from person to person.
People can become infected through contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, or even other people, and some can even become infected through poor hygiene practices. It is important to treat pinworms if they are present as they can lead to itching around the anus, difficulty sleeping, and restlessness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who can diagnose the cause and ensure you receive the proper treatment.