Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.
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How do adults get pinworms?
Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.
Do pinworms go away?
What Is the Outlook for a Person Who Gets Pinworms? Pinworm infections are easy to treat, and the pinworms go away. Because the pinworm infection is so highly contagious, it is not unusual for infections to recur.
What happens if pinworms go untreated?
In rare cases, if the infestation is left untreated, pinworm infections can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Pinworms can also travel from the anus into the vagina, affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. This may result in other infections, including vaginitis and endometritis.
What do worms look like in your poop?
You can spot worms in your poo. They look like pieces of white thread. You might also see them around your child’s bottom (anus). The worms usually come out at night while your child is sleeping.
How do I get rid of pinworms naturally?
Follow these tips:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Keep your fingernails short, and refrain from biting your nails.
- Wear tight underwear.
- Wash your underwear in hot water each day.
- Change your sleepwear regularly.
- Mop or vacuum the floors in all living spaces.
- Wash all linens and bedding in hot water.
What do pinworms look like in poop?
In stools, the worms look like small pieces of white cotton thread. Because of their size and white color, pinworms are difficult to see. The male worm is rarely seen because it remains inside the intestine. It is best to search for pinworms at night, when the female comes out to lay her eggs.
How do I know if I have an intestinal parasite?
Nausea or vomiting. Gas or bloating. Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus) Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva.