Pinworms in Humans

Found in the intestinal tract and rectum of humans, pinworms are tiny worms that generally do not cause any serious health problems. Although pinworm infection is commonly seen among children, it can affect people of all ages. Pinworms are contagious, which means if a person is affected, then other members of his family are likely to catch this infection through physical contact.

What Causes Pinworms in Humans?
People following unsanitary food habits and living in unhygienic conditions are the main reasons why many suffer from this annoying infection. Contaminated food and clothes are some of the means by which the infection can spread. A female pinworm lays thousands of eggs around the anus during her lifetime. Scratching this area can dislodge the eggs which may then get transferred to the finger nails. Eventually touching any object or person can result into spreading of this infection.

Symptoms of Pinworms in Humans
In most cases, pinworms observed in humans is a mild infection. Hence, many a times the patient may not show any symptoms at all. However, the most common symptom associated with pinworms is itchiness around the anus or vaginal area. The symptoms tend to become more severe during the night. As a result, the person may find it extremely difficult to get adequate sleep. These intestinal parasites may cause urinary tract infections as well, mainly observed in women. In case pinworms penetrate the urethra or vagina, it may lead to endometriosis and vaginitis. Other symptoms manifests in the form of

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal problems

Treatment for Pinworms in Humans
So how does one get rid of pinworms in humans? Certain home remedies can cure this infection without causing any side effects. For mild infections, use of home remedies is the best option. Pinworms in children, as well as adults, can be easily treated and is not a cause of immense worry. Here are few of the most common ways on how to get rid of pinworms in humans:

Common Salt: Surprisingly, increasing intake of table salt, also known as sodium chloride (NaCl), can be an effective remedy for pinworms in humans. This is because people suffering from this infection develop a deficiency in common salt. Hence, having a high salt diet for a period of 2 weeks is sufficient to rid the body from the clutches of pinworms.

Garlic: Fresh cloves of garlic provide an easy way to get rid of pinworms in humans. Simply chew them and one will get the desired result within a few days. Garlic, also available in a capsule form, is very effective to treat this infection.

Papaya Seeds: Papaya seeds can successfully eliminate pinworms from the intestinal tract of humans. However, papaya seeds are most effective when taken in the right way. First of all, one has to take these seeds on an empty stomach. Secondly, you need to chew them properly before swallowing them to get the desired outcome.

Other home remedies involve the usage of the following foods that can help to remove pinworms living in the intestinal tract. These food products have a high medicinal value and are available at various drug stores.

• Chaparral tea taken on an empty stomach 2-3 times a day
• Almond bran and fig juice
• Pumpkin seeds

Medications to Cure Pinworm Infestation
Medications are commonly used when the infection is severe. Unfortunately, home remedies are not effective to treat very severe cases of pinworm infection. Reese's Pinworm Medicine is very popular and has been quite successful in eliminating pinworms. The dosage will entirely depend upon the age of the patient. The dose of this medicine varies for children and adults. Prescription drugs such as Antepar and Povan are effective anti-pinworm medicines, but need to be taken under the guidance of a medical practitioner. Albendazole and Mebendazole are also commonly prescribed anti-worm medications that prevent multiplying of pinworms. These medicines are available in the tablet form and are quite effective in destroying the worms. In order to flush out the worms from the body, enemas can also be useful. A cream is often prescribed to reduce the itching and irritation around the anal area.

Pinworms in humans can be easily prevented by maintaining good hygiene. Hand washing with an antiseptic soap from time to time, especially before meals and after coming from outdoors, is crucial to prevent this intestinal infection. Read more on Intestinal Parasites in Humans.