Pinworm infection

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
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

    • CDC Yellow Book: pinworm (enterobiasis, oxyuriasis, threadworm)
    • Parasites - enterobiasis (also known as pinworm infection): resources for health professionals
    More Guidelines
  • Patient leaflets

    Threadworm

    More Patient leaflets
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