Pinworms are white, thin, wiggly worms that measure about 6 mm in length. If your child has pinworms, you may be able to see the little worms in the area around the anus, known as the perianal area. They are easiest to see at night or in the early morning. You might also see the pinworms on the surface of a child’s poop or at the entrance to the vagina.
Although pinworms do not cause any serious health problems, they are a source of great discomfort, sleep disruption, itching and irritation in the perianal area. Pinworms are infectious and can spread from child to child. When a child scratches the itchy area, tiny pinworm eggs can spread to their fingernails and can then be transferred to bedding and toys. If others touch these objects, the eggs can transfer to their hands. If they put their hands in their mouth (like many children do), they can swallow the eggs and get infected with pinworms without realizing it. A child can develop a pinworm infestation if they swallow pinworm eggs. The worm usually develops about three to four weeks after the egg has been swallowed.