How to confirm pinworm infection in children
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
If you want to confirm whether a child is infected with pinworms, you can make a judgment through symptom observation, anal swab test, transparent adhesive tape method, nighttime perianal egg examination, and stool tests. If the child is confirmed to be infected with pinworms through the above methods, timely medical attention should be sought and treatment carried out under a doctor's guidance. Treatment typically includes oral administration of antiparasitic medication.
To confirm whether a child has been infected with pinworms, diagnosis can be made through symptom observation, anal swab testing, transparent adhesive tape method, nighttime perianal egg examination, and stool examination. If there are concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Symptom observation: Observe whether the child experiences anal itching at night, which is one of the most common symptoms of pinworm infection, as female worms lay eggs around the anus during nighttime, causing itching. Pay attention to whether the child has gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, which may be associated with pinworm infection.
2. Anal swab Test: A physician can gently wipe around the child's anus with a swab, collect the sample, and examine it under a microscope for the presence of pinworm eggs or adult worms.
3. Transparent adhesive tape method: Before the child wakes up in the morning, apply a piece of transparent adhesive tape onto the skin folds around the anus and gently press it down. Then place the tape under a microscope to check for the presence of worm eggs.
4. Nighttime perianal egg examination: At a specific time during the night when pinworm activity peaks, collect secretions from around the child’s anus and send the sample to a laboratory for analysis to detect the presence of pinworm eggs or adult worms.
5. Stool examination: Collect the child's stool sample and examine it microscopically for the presence of pinworm eggs, which is a common method for diagnosing pinworm infection.
If a pinworm infection is confirmed through the above methods, timely medical attention should be sought and treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Treatment typically involves oral administration of antiparasitic medications such as Levamisole Hydrochloride Granules, Pyrantel Pamoate Tablets, or Vermifuge and Digestive Tablets. It is also important to maintain personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and keeping the anal area clean, to prevent reinfection.
