Patient's question:
My daughter felt a stinging pain in her lower vagina around 1 a.m. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a small white worm, less than a centimeter long and as thick as cotton thread, moving near her urethral opening. Is it possible it's a pinworm? Why would it be found in the external genital area and urethral opening? If it is, how can it be removed? I give her deworming medication twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall—and I always pay close attention to her personal hygiene. I don't know how she could have gotten it. Please, could a pediatrician provide a prompt response?An anxious mother
Doctor's answer:
Hello;Treatment for pinworms: Anthelmintic drugs commonly used include albendazole (Albenza) and albendazole (Intestinal Clean), with albendazole being preferred for children under 2 years old. This medication is poorly absorbed in the digestive tract and has fewer side effects. Locally applied creams containing insecticides can be used to kill parasites and relieve itching, preventing re-infection. In group childcare settings such as kindergartens and nurseries, collective treatment is important due to the risk of mutual transmission, otherwise it is difficult to achieve a complete cure.