Question: Hi, I was wondering how long pinworms can get, do you have any idea? Thank you very much.

Answer: To be honest, “How long can pinworms get” isn’t a question that we get often.

Pinworms grow to be about one half of an inch long and can often be seen in the stool or in the underwear. It is more common for children to get pinworms than adults, but they are capable of infecting both.

A pinworm infection begins when the larvae or eggs of a pinworm are ingested. This can occur anywhere from a sandbox to an undercooked piece of meat.

Typical symptoms of a pinworm infection include:

  • Itching around the anus
  • Insomnia
  • Decrease in Appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain

It is important to note that pinworms are not usually harmful and are very easy to get rid of. A doctor will prescribe a medication that should eradicate the infection. It is extremely important to practice good hand hygiene while being treated for pinworms to avoid re-infecting yourself during treatment.

We hope this answered your question regarding how long pinworms can get. Please feel free to check back in if you have any others.