9 Facts of Pinworms Transmission to Children to Watch Out for

Pinworm infections are contagious, especially in school-age children. Unfortunately, there are still many parents who do not understand how to transmit this infection, so they cannot protect their children. Pinworm infections initially occur in the intestine. Although worms stay in the body, pinworm eggs can spread through feces, and can live for a long time on the surface of an object outside the body.

Facts About Transmission of Pinworms

As a parent, you should pay attention to the conditions experienced by children in early anticipation of transmission of pinworms. There are at least 9 facts that need to be known about pinworm transmission, namely:

• Itching is the main characteristic of intestinal worms

Adult pinworms will leave the intestines and lay eggs around the anus. This is the cause of the itching so that the child is difficult to sleep and look restless. Even so, some children do not feel any symptoms when infected. This infection can also be characterized by a red rash on the skin, irritation around the anus, and the discovery of pinworms in the stool.

• Pinworms can live on bed linen

Generally, female pinworms lay eggs when an infected person is sleeping at night. Pinworm eggs can last 2-3 weeks on sheets and other surfaces. Therefore, it is important to wash the sheets separately using warm water to prevent the spread of infection. After washing with warm water, dry in the hot sun.

• Pinworms like to live behind long nails

Pinworm eggs most often hide behind long nails. Pinworm infections in children can spread through many ways, especially through the child's fingernails when scratching the anus, then enter the mouth. Therefore, besides keeping nails short and clean, avoid scratching the anus and biting the nails.

• Avoid sharing clothes and towels, especially underwear

Apart from hand nails, the spread of pinworm infections can also occur through contaminated clothing and towels. Therefore, make sure your child does not share bath towels, clothes, especially underwear with others. Worm eggs from an infected person may still be there and cause your child to contract this infection.

• Pinworm transmission is rare in swimming pools

If indeed worm eggs can last a long time outside the human body, what about the safety of health in public swimming pools for children? The good news, pinworm infections are less risky to spread in a swimming pool. Besides being protected by chlorine, even if there are worm eggs, the amount is insignificant compared to the amount of water in the pool.

• Pinworms are not transmitted through animals

You do not need to worry and guess whether your pet can transmit pinworms to your child. E. vermicularis pinworms can only live in the human body, not in animals.

• Can cause dangerous complications

Pinworm infections in girls can spread from the anus to the vagina and cause abnormal discharge from the vagina. This infection can even cause skin infections if the child continues to scratch the skin around his anus. In some cases, pinworm infections can cause urinary tract infections, vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina), and endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus).

• The age group most at risk

Pinworm infections are most common in children under five and school-age children, between 5-10 years old, especially those who are placed in day care centers, family members of infected children, people who care for infected children, children who live with many people in a place, as well as children who grow up in families who do not apply clean and healthy living habits.

• Children should not bathe together

Your young child often bathes with friends, neighbors, or friends in daycare? It is better to avoid the habit of bathing children together, let alone sharing a bath and towel. Bathing together in the shower is more recommended to minimize transmission of pinworm infections.

Pinworms can be treated with over-the-counter anticacing drugs. Adjust its use with the information on the packaging or doctor's advice. So that the infection does not come back, it is important to prevent transmission by washing hands regularly after defecation, changing diapers, playing, and before processing food. Also, make sure you take a shower every morning and change your underwear every day. Pinworm eggs are sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, let the room in your house get enough sunlight. If you find symptoms of pinworm infection in children or other family members, it is advisable to immediately see a doctor so that it can be given the right treatment.