So you’re wondering exactly what causes pinworms in kids and adults.
Even in the developed world that we live in there are still health problems that affect millions of people every day. One of the most common health problems in the world are pinworms in kids. Every year over forty million children and adults are infected by these pinworms. Young school children and toddlers are among the most common group affected by this threat. People in institutions and their caretakers are also at risk. Many people still wonder what causes pinworms, so we are going to break everything down for you. When you have a better understanding of what causes pinworms, you can also read about pinworm symptoms as well as find a treatment for pinworms.
Discover What Causes Pinworms in Children
The image below shows exactly how pinworms . This diagram is courtesy of the CDC and can be found at Wikimedia Commons. By reading through each step, you’ll have a better understanding on the life cycle of pinworms.
The formal name for a pinworm is Enterobius Vermicular which is actually a type of roundworm. Humans are the primary host for these parasites. Pinworms can be seen moving around the anal area as well as in under garments and in bed sheets. Pinworms are often spread when fecal matter comes in oral contact with a person. This occurs when a child is scratching their anal area and then puts their fingers in their mouth. The pinworms can also be transferred to surfaces as well. When a person touches a surface and later puts their hands in their mouth they become infected. These worms can live two to three weeks on most surfaces. Pinworms can also be injected if the eggs are on food or in a drink. When adults try to determine what causes pinworms in their bodies the cause is most likely egg that are inhaled while sleeping. These eggs can be in bedding or on the curtains.
It is a common thought that pets are the cause of pinworms. This is not true. Pinworms do not use pets as a host. If a pet has an itching in their anal area it is most likely related to tapeworms.
When thinking about what causes pinworms and why they are so contagious the answer is simple. The female worm lives around the anus and lays eggs. Each female can lay up to ten thousand eggs during the course of their life. The eggs can be transferred easily in hosts such as under a person’s fingernail. They can also be spread by the blowing of dust in the air. When these eggs are ingested they begin to thrive. Within the next few weeks the, eggs hatch inside a person as they travel to the intestinal area. From there, they commonly travel to the anal area. This allows the life cycle of the pinworm to start over.
How Adults Get Pinworms
We now know that pinworms in kids can be quite common and easy to spread. So what causes pinworms in adults? Adults can inject the worm eggs when they touch an infected surface and then put their hand in their mouth. This is likely when eating or even covering their mouth while sneezing. Pinworm eggs also live under fingernails. At night the worm can leave the body and crawl around the bedding, which can spread the infection and eggs to another adult. Remember, while considering what causes pinworms, that it is quite simple for one person to infect another.
Pinworm Causes Concluded
As you can see, what causes pinworms is quite simple. The eggs are easily transferred through a number of ways to other people. Once in the system, the eggs hatch and make their way to your intestines and make a home in your colon.
Be sure to use caution and wash hands often; especially when attending or working in day care centers, schools, or other areas where there may be large groups of children, now that you understand what causes pinworms.
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