Last reviewed: 24 Aug 2023
Last updated: 08 Jul 2021
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- perianal pruritus
- perianal erythema
- presence of worms
More key diagnostic factors
Other diagnostic factors
- restlessness
- insomnia
- vulvar pruritus
Other diagnostic factors
Risk factors
- school attendance or institutionalization
- thumb sucking
More risk factors
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- adhesive tape test
More 1st investigations to order
Treatment algorithm
ACUTE
symptomatic patients + family members
Contributors
Authors
Michael J. Smith, MD, MSCE

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.
Differentials
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Dermatitis, atopic
- Perirectal abscess
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- CDC Yellow Book: pinworm (enterobiasis, oxyuriasis, threadworm)
- Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection): resources for health professionals
More GuidelinesPatient leaflets
Threadworm
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