Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are small, white worms, about
half an inch long, that live in the intestines. Infections with
pinworms aren't dangerous, but they are a nuisance. About two
weeks after infection, the females crawl out via the anus and
lay eggs on the surrounding skin. This causes itching around the
rectum that usually is worse at night and can be annoying enough
to disturb a child's sleep. In girls, a pinworm infection can
spread to the vaginal area causing irritation, itching, and even
a discharge. When kids scratch the itchy area, the eggs can get
under their fingernails and then be transferred to toys, eating
utensils, dishes, glasses, and other objects where they can live
for two to three weeks and infect other youngsters or family
members. Kids unknowingly pass pinworm eggs back and forth at
school and at child care centers. The adults most likely to pick
up infections are the mothers of infected youngsters. To make
sure that your son really has pinworms, his pediatrician may ask
you to