Enterobiasis is the most common worm infection in school age children.
The infection is produced by a helminth (worm) called Enterobius vermicularis. Generally, people are infected when touching the microscopic eggs of these without realizing.
The most common symptoms are: intense anal itch mainly at night, nocturnal irritability, irritation or infection of the skin around the anus due to constant scratching, loss of appetite and seldom bruxism (gnashing of teeth). Fever is not usually present with this infection.
Diagnosis is reached through a full clinical questioning and physical examination.
Drugs against worms are used to treat this disease. Usually, a first dosis is given and a repeat dosis again 2 weeks later. Recommendations against this disease include treating all family members or people living together, a strict hand hygiene and washing bed linnen and towels often.
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