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Pinworm infection

Last reviewed: 17 Sep 2025
Last updated: 23 Apr 2024

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • perianal pruritus
  • perianal erythema
  • presence of worms
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • restlessness
  • insomnia
  • vulvar pruritus
Full details

Risk factors

  • school attendance or institutionalization
  • Oral habits like nail biting or thumb sucking
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • adhesive tape test
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

symptomatic patients + family members

Contributors

Authors

Michael J. Smith, MD, MSCE
Michael J. Smith

Professor of Pediatrics

Duke University School of Medicine

Durham

NC

Disclosures

MJS declares that he has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr Michael J. Smith would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Theoklis Zaoutis, a previous contributor to this topic. TZ declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Randal Rockney, MD

Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Family Medicine

Department of Pediatrics

Hasbro Children's Hospital

Providence

RI

Disclosures

RR declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewer acknowledgements

BMJ Best Practice topics are updated on a rolling basis in line with developments in evidence and guidance. The peer reviewers listed here have reviewed the content at least once during the history of the topic.

Disclosures

Peer reviewer affiliations and disclosures pertain to the time of the review.

Referências

Nossas equipes internas de editoria e de evidências trabalham em conjunto com colaboradores internacionais especializados e pares revisores para garantir que forneçamos acesso às informações o mais clinicamente relevantes possível.

Principais artigos

Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, et al, eds. Red Book: 2021-2024 report of the committee on infectious diseases. 32 nd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021 [internet publication].Texto completo

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024: health information for international travel. Section 5: travel-associated infections and diseases - enterobiasis / pinworm. May 2023 [internet publication].Texto completo

Artigos de referência

Uma lista completa das fontes referenciadas neste tópico está disponível para os usuários com acesso total ao BMJ Best Practice.
  • Pinworm infection images
  • Diagnósticos diferenciais

    • Inflammatory bowel disease
    • Dermatitis, atopic
    • Perirectal abscess
    Mais Diagnósticos diferenciais
  • Diretrizes

    • Yellow Book: Enterobiasis/pinworm 
    • Red Book: Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis)
    Mais Diretrizes
  • Folhetos informativos para os pacientes

    Pinworm

    Mais Folhetos informativos para os pacientes
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