Is anal itching caused by pinworms?
Disease description:
The child has been complaining of anal itching lately, especially before going to bed at night, and often scratches with his/her hands. I've also noticed something resembling white thread-like specks on his/her underwear. Could this be pinworms? How should this be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
In general, itchy buttocks do not necessarily indicate a pinworm infection, although pinworm infection can be one of the causes of anal itching.
Pinworm disease is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms). One of its characteristics is the occurrence of anal and perineal itching, especially noticeable at night. In addition to itching, pinworm infection may also be accompanied by mild abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and irritability.
Aside from pinworm infection, there are many other possible causes of itchy buttocks, such as seborrheic dermatitis and acne. These conditions may lead to folliculitis or small nodules on the skin of the buttocks, which in turn can cause itching. If anal itching persists, timely medical consultation is recommended for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified physician to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
In daily life, maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, regularly changing underwear, and avoiding sharing bedding with infected individuals, can also help prevent pinworm infections.
