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- Enterobiasis - Pinworms (Parasites) Time 2008-05-29 18:42
- Enterobius vermicularis -- Pinworms = EnterobiasisPinworms are one of the most common nematodes to affect humans in the United States. In one estimate, up to half of children will have this parasitic infection, especially those in daycare.The male pinworm is almost invisible to the naked eye and females can measure up to l3 mm. The eggs are up to 60 microns in length.The usually nocturnal migration of the female from the rectum to the anal area to lay its eggs often causes severe itching. Is it a strategy? As the child scratches his anal area, he can then transmit the eggs to other susceptible hosts via the fecal oral route. In addition, the eggs are unusually hardy.Pinworms have been seen in patients' appendix after its removal for appendicitis. Whether pinworms are a cause of appendicitis has not been well established.Treatment of this condition can be as simple as administering a tepid water enema. I usually prescribe a single dose of chewable MEBENDAZOLE 100 mg (Vermox®).Mebendazole is also used to treat other parasitic infections, though at different dosing, and these include Trichuriasis (whipworm), Ascariasis (common or American Hookworm).The female worm may migrate several inches away from the anus and can cause vulvovaginitis.For patients so affected, I recommend that the parent apply Vaseline® and have the child sleep in pajamas so as to avoid direct hand contamination and re-infection.(As you read my works, I must keep reminding you that the uninsured and working poor must pay hospitals and doctors what Medicare pays. Later I will lobby so that primary care providers get a significant pay raise so that they can pay their staff a living wage and see fewer patients per hour. Don't poison the elderly patient with aches and pains; you must just listen to him. The physician or medical provider can be the most potent drug. Drug companies know this, and this is why they want you to give them samples.)Luis Lomeli MD
- Tag: »Anal »Cosala »Enterobius »Itch »Lomeli »Luis »Nocturnal »Parasites »Pinworms »Worms
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