Common issues
Pinworms
Pinworm is a common parasitic infection, especially in children. The main symptom is itching around the anus, worst at night, and it can disturb sleep.
It spreads easily within households and between children in preschool or school, so it is usually recommended that everyone in the household is treated at the same time.
What can be resolved?
- Treatment for the whole family
When is the service not suitable?
- Symptoms that do not go away after treatment.
- Severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
General advice
Pinworm is a small, white roundworm that commonly infects children and also adults.
General advice
Infections can occur in places where many children gather, such as preschools or schools. Pinworms spread easily to parents and caregivers.
Symptoms
There is a risk that if a person scratches at night, they may irritate the skin and cause a skin infection. In rarer cases, when there are many worms, pinworm infection may present as reduced appetite, abdominal pain, and nausea.
How it spreads
Pinworms spread when eggs come into contact with the mouth and then pass down into the stomach. The eggs hatch in the digestive tract, and the worms then lay eggs in the area around the anus, which are then spread into the environment and to the next person via unclean hands.
The advice above is general and does not replace medical advice. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not go away.
Please note
Fjarlækningar handles simple, clearly defined issues. Some cases require an examination, testing, or emergency care — and are directed to another care pathway. In emergencies, call 112.
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