Pinworms are a type of intestinal worm that live in the human excretory system; they are the most common worm-related infection in the U.S., with more than 40 million people infected every year.
The human body is the only natural host for pinworms, indicating that they are not transmitted from animal species (other than homo sapiens). Instead, pinworms are usually transmitted by ingestion of dust or other small, contaminated air-born particles; onset of an infection is common due to the resilience of pinworm eggs, which can survive in dust particles for nearly seven days.
Luckily, even though pinworms are often easy to catch, they are mainly harmless to the human body. The only possible threat they may pose to the human body is mild to severe scar tissue in the intestines or in the rectum, around the anus, or in the vagina (since the females migrate out of the anus at night to lay eggs); in a few extremely rare cases, a pinworm infection has been linked to infertility in females due to scar tissue in and around the vagina and the ovaries.
There are only two real signs of a pinworm infestation, primarily due to their size (they are only ½ inch in length, and around the same size in diameter, making them difficult to spot; however, their white to yellow color aids human eyesight for the parasite in feces): an itchy anus/rectal area, and segments (or entire worms) in defecation.
For the most part, pinworms are much less severe than a tapeworm infestation, and can easily be treated with doctor-prescribed medication. In addition to medication, homeopathic remedies such as garlic (especially garlic), black walnuts, and wormwood (herb) have proven to be a slow, but effective alternative to harsh, doctor-prescribed medications. Many people will also choose to create a garlic-like paste to place around the rectal area to relieve any anal inching, discomfort, insomnia, and/or restlessness associated with the infection.
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