Pinworm: A Common Worm Infection in Children
Have you ever noticed your child complaining of an itchy bottom or a loss of appetite? Be careful, it could be a sign of a worm infection.
Worm infestations are not a minor issue. In Indonesia, worm infections rank second only to malnutrition in prevalence.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, there were more than 642 million cases of worm infections worldwide in 2021.
The types of worms that commonly affect children include roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale), and whipworms (Trichuris trichiura).
These parasitic infections can cause symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and anemia to malnutrition. In children, they can interfere with growth and development, as well as reduce concentration and learning ability.
Signs and symptoms of worm infections in children
Symptoms vary depending on the type of worm. In the case of pinworms, for example, children may experience:
- Itchy anus, sometimes becoming red and inflamed from frequent scratching
- Frequent stomach aches
- Irritability or crankiness
- Difficulty sleeping due to nighttime itching
- Loss of appetite, leading to poor weight gain
- In girls, redness and itching around the vaginal area
Pinworms can even be seen with the naked eye. At night, check your child’s bottom with a flashlight. If you notice small, white, thread-like worms moving around the anus (or vagina in girls), it is likely a pinworm infection.
How pinworms spread
Pinworms look like thin white threads about 1 cm long. They live in the lower intestine and come out at night to lay eggs around the anus. A single female pinworm can produce up to 16,000 eggs!
When a child scratches their bottom, the eggs stick to their fingers and under their nails. From there, the eggs can re-enter the mouth or spread to surrounding objects. Pinworm eggs can survive outside the body for up to two weeks.
Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the worms grow into adults within a few weeks. Female worms then migrate to the anus to lay more eggs, triggering itching.
Scratching spreads the eggs further—to toys, bedding, toilet seats, food, drinks, clothing, and even to other people.
Pinworm eggs can also survive on indoor surfaces for 2–3 weeks. In rare cases, they may even be inhaled and swallowed.
How to prevent and treat worm infections
To protect children from worm infections, parents can take these steps:
- Give deworming medicine every six months for children over the age of two
- Keep nails short and clean
- Encourage regular handwashing with soap, especially before meals and after using the toilet
- Ensure food is well-cooked and drinking water is boiled
- Prevent children from walking barefoot or playing directly on the ground
- Stop the habit of nail-biting
- Maintain a clean home environment and use clean water
If complications occur—such as worms entering the bile ducts, causing a liver abscess, or blocking the intestines—seek medical care immediately.
The importance of balanced nutrition
In addition to prevention, parents should pay attention to their child’s nutrition. Poor diet can lead to deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins, and lysine. These deficiencies can reduce appetite, stunt growth, and impair nutrient absorption.
Providing a balanced diet helps strengthen the immune system, support growth, and reduce the harmful effects of worm infections.
So, don’t wait until your child becomes cranky or struggles to gain weight. Prevent worm infections by promoting good hygiene habits and supporting their growth with proper nutrition.
Visit GWS Medika clinic, a health clinic in Jakarta, to find out about your child's growth and health.
