Infectious Disease Specialist Questions Pinworms

Do I have pinworms?

Yesterday I noticed little white thread looking things in my feces and I've had animals who have had worms before so I know what they look like but I never see them moving. I don't have any insurance and I can't afford to pay a hospital bill but I've been looking up symptoms online and they say the first thing you notice is intense itching but I never had that. I tried to brush it off yesterday but when I went to the bathroom this morning they were there again so now I'm starting to worry. What do I do?

Female | 17 years old
Complaint duration: 03/22/2018
Medications: None
Conditions: Bad kidneys

4 Answers

If you don't have GI symptoms then what you see are probably not worms. At your age, you should have insurance under your parents, so it's possible to simply see a pediatrician for a basic work up if any GI symptoms like diarrhea arise.
It seems like a parasitic infestation, from the way you describe it.

You do need to be tested, and then treated. Hope you can find the help you need where you live.

Pinworms are common in children. They like the dark and can often be seen at night with a flashlight by a second person examining the anal area. There is a “scotch tape test “. If positive you need to see a doctor
Many people with pinworm infections do not have symptoms and do not need treatment to cure the infection. The infection may go away on its own, but it will take months Some doctors suggest treating with anti-parasite medication all close contacts of a person with pinworms even if there are no symptoms. The best way to prevent an infestation (or re-infestation) is properly washing your hands. Your hands are the part of your body most likely to transfer the pinworm eggs so it is extremely important to keep them clean. Make sure you and your family wash hands before eating or handling food, after using the bathroom. There are some natural remedies that people have used with some results, but is not 100% efficient for all. There is garlic, coconut and avocado oil and raw carrots. Good luck!