• Home / Diseases & Ayurveda / Digestive / Pinworms

What are Pinworms?

Pinworms are little white worms that inhabit the intestines of humans. They are a common intestinal worm infection in children (though they can also be caught in adults). The infection they cause is called Pinworm Infection or Enterobiasis.

The main symptom of a Pinworm Infection is itching around the anus, especially at night. This happens because the female Pinworms leave the intestines to lay eggs around the anal area, causing pain and sleep disturbances.

Pinworm Infections are very contagious. They spread through the ingestion of pinworm eggs, found on contaminated surfaces such as toys, bedding, or clothes. After being ingested, these eggs hatch in the intestines, and the infection continues. Because they are contagious, Pinworms are common in schools and institutions where children are constantly in contact with one another. Good hygiene, including regular hand washing and keeping fingernails clean and short, helps prevent the spread of Pinworms.

Common Causes of Pinworms

To prevent and manage Pinworm Infections, it is important to understand how they spread. The following are commonly noted causes of Pinworm Infections:

• Bad Hygiene: Not washing hands after using the bathroom or before eating may cause the ingestion of pinworm eggs.
• Contaminated Surfaces: Pinworm eggs may remain on objects such as toys, bedding, furniture, and clothing. Touching these surfaces and then touching the mouth or food may introduce the eggs into the body.
• Direct Contact: Close contact with someone with a Pinworm Infection may spread the eggs. This is common in families or schools where people are closely confined.
• Ingesting Contaminated Foods or Drinks: Eating unhygienically prepared foods and drinks may have a higher tendency to be contaminated with pinworm eggs, which may increase the chances of pinworm infection.
• Nail Biting & Thumb Sucking: These habits can transfer pinworm eggs from hands to mouth in children prone to such habits.
• Airborne Eggs: Rarely, pinworm eggs may become airborne (typically by shaking contaminated bedding or clothing) and be inhaled.

Signs and Symptoms of Pinworms

Pinworms generally live in the colon and rectum of humans. They cause a common infection in children, Enterobiasis or Pinworm Infection. Recognising the symptoms and signs of this infection might help in timely treatment and preventing its spread.

The symptoms of a Pinworm Infection are:

These are the most common symptoms

• Intense itching around the anus, especially at night
• Visible white worms in the stool or around the anal area
• Restless sleep or difficulty sleeping due to anal discomfort
• Persistent scratching around the anus
• Mild abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea or a decrease in appetite
• Irritability or mood disturbances, particularly in children

Ayurvedic Medicines for Pinworms

Ayurveda provides various herbal treatments against Pinworm Infections. These natural remedies focus on improving the digestive and immune systems of the body. Some commonly noted Ayurvedic medicinal herbs used during the treatment of Pinworm infection are listed below:

• Krimighn Rasa: This preparation is highly antiparasitic and is suitable for eliminating intestinal worms.
• Vidanga (Embelia ribes): Often used with other herbs, Vidanga is effective against Pinworms because it is anthelmintic (worm-expelling).
• Krimi Kuthar Ras: This is another strong formulation used in Ayurveda for parasitic infections like Pinworms.
• Keet Mard Rasa: It clears Pinworms by targeting insect and worm infestations inside the body.
• Krimi Kalanal Rasa: It is also formulated to fight intestinal worms and restore digestive health disturbed by parasitic action.
• Kampillak Churna and Kirmani Ajwain Churna: These are powdered forms of herbs taken to kill the worms and to aid digestion, which is often inhibited by Pinworms.

Other natural Ayurvedic solutions

• Garlic: Its strong antiparasitic action is useful for removing Pinworms.
• Carrot: The anti-parasitic nature of grated carrot daily may clear worms from the intestines.
• Coconut: Eating coconut or consuming a spoonful of coconut oil can expel Pinworms because it is anti-parasitic.
• Bitter Gourd: Its juice is especially useful for flushing Pinworms and their eggs from the intestines.
• Papaya and Papaya Seeds: They contain papain and caricin and are useful for killing Pinworms.
• Seeds of pumpkin: They are notable for their cucurbitacin material, an antiparasitic compound that kills Pinworms.
• Onion: The sulphur in onions kills Pinworms. A traditional remedy for worm removal is to drink water soaked in onion slices.

When To See A Doctor?

There are certain signs that shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s best to consult a Doctor:

• Persistent itching: If the itching situation becomes non-stop for prolonged periods, it’s an indication to visit a Doctor.
• Inability to sleep: If the discomfort in the anal area is making it difficult to fall asleep, a Doctor should be consulted before the weakness intensifies.
• Loss of appetite: If eating food becomes an act of stress, visiting a Doctor should be the next step. 

Conclusion

Pinworms can be a very uncomfortable and stubborn condition to deal with, but it is also very treatable, and a safe recovery should be the goal. If you are struggling with this condition, it’s best to consult a qualified healthcare professional or an Authentic Ayurvedic practitioner to get the best care and treatment beyond home remedies and lifestyle adjustments.

References:

About Pinworm Infection

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Pinworm Infection - PMC

Preventing Pinworm Infection

Pinworm Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

View of Therapeutic use of Vidanga on Krimiroga - A Literary Review | Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences