Poor Hygiene
In the case of infection, female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and lay their eggs on the skin around the anal opening. This can cause itching and irritation, often leading to poor hygiene habits like scratching the affected area and not washing the hands afterward.
When eggs are ingested, for example, if an individual eats something contaminated with them or puts their dirty fingers in the mouth, female pinworms hatch in the intestines, and the cycle begins anew.
The good news is that pinworms are generally harmless. The bad news is that they’re highly contagious and easy to spread, especially in poor sanitation or crowded living conditions. This is the reason why they are such a problem in developing countries. They’re also relatively common in daycare settings, where kids often put their hands in their mouths and share food and other items.
The best way to prevent pinworm infection is to practice good hygiene. This means washing the hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before eating. It also means keeping the fingernails clean and short so that eggs can’t become trapped under them.
