Pinworm

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions

Diaper Rash

Frost Bite

Head Lice

Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Pinworms

Ringworm

Ticks

Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Pinworm

According to the Center for Disease Control, Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the U.S. School-age children; followed by pre-schoolers, have the highest rates of infection.

A pinworm infection is caused by a small, white intestinal worm called Enterobius vermicularis. Pinworms are about the length of a staple and live in the rectum of humans. While an infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and deposit egos on the surrounding skin.

Itching around the anus, disturbed sleep, and irritability are common symptoms. Eggs are infective within a few hours after being deposited on the skin. They can survive up to two weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects. Children can become infected by accidentally swallowing infective pinworm eggs from contaminated surfaces or fingers.

If you suspect pinworms, consult your physician who will instruct you regarding sample gathering for microscopic examination. Both over-the-counter and prescription treatments are effective. Treatment involves a two-dose course. The second dose is normally given two weeks after the first.

To prevent the spread of infection:

Bathe immediately upon awakening to reduce egg contamination

Change nightclothes frequently

Change underwear, pj's and sheets after each treatment

Pinworm eggs are susceptible to sunlight, so open blinds and curtains in bedrooms during the day.

Wash hands after going to the toilet, before eating, and after changing diapers

Trim fingernails short

Discourage nail biting and scratching bare anal areas to reduce self-reinfection.

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
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Healthworks on Videotape

If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Diaper Rash Frost Bite Head Lice Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis Pinworms Ringworm Ticks Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Pinworm According to the Center for Disease Control, Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the U.S. School-age children; followed by pre-schoolers, have the highest rates of infection. A pinworm infection is caused by a small, white intestinal worm called Enterobius vermicularis. Pinworms are about the length of a staple and live in the rectum of humans. While an infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and deposit egos on the surrounding skin. Itching around the anus, disturbed sleep, and irritability are common symptoms. Eggs are infective within a few hours after being deposited on the skin. They can survive up to two weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects. Children can become infected by accidentally swallowing infective pinworm eggs from contaminated surfaces or fingers. If you suspect pinworms, consult your physician who will instruct you regarding sample gathering for microscopic examination. Both over-the-counter and prescription treatments are effective. Treatment involves a two-dose course. The second dose is normally given two weeks after the first. To prevent the spread of infection: Bathe immediately upon awakening to reduce egg contamination Change nightclothes frequently Change underwear, pj's and sheets after each treatment Pinworm eggs are susceptible to sunlight, so open blinds and curtains in bedrooms during the day. Wash hands after going to the toilet, before eating, and after changing diapers Trim fingernails short Discourage nail biting and scratching bare anal areas to reduce self-reinfection.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.