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Pinworm infection

Last reviewed: 10 Nov 2024
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.

  • Pinworm infection images
  • Differentials

    • Inflammatory bowel disease
    • Dermatitis, atopic
    • Perirectal abscess
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • Yellow Book: Enterobiasis/pinworm 
    • Red Book: Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis)
    More Guidelines
  • Patient information

    Pinworm

    More Patient information
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