What do pinworms look like in feces?

In stools, the worms look like small pieces of white cotton thread. Because of their size and white color, pinworms are difficult to see. The male worm is rarely seen because it remains inside the intestine. It is best to search for pinworms at night, when the female comes out to lay her eggs.

What does it look like when you have pinworms?

Small, thin, grayish-white worms may be visible around the anus two-three hours after the person falls asleep. The worms look like little pieces of thread, which is why they are sometimes called threadworm. You can capture the worms using clear tape or let your doctor know that you saw them.

Can you see pinworms moving on toilet paper?

Pinworms are formally diagnosed when the symptoms are present and the worm is seen – either around the anal area, on the outside of the stool or toilet paper. The worm are about ¼ inch long and thin like a piece of thread-but are often moving.

How do you tell if you have worms in your stool?

A person with intestinal worms may also experience dysentery. Dysentery is when an intestinal infection causes diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool….Common symptoms of intestinal worms are:

1. abdominal pain.
2. diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
3. gas and bloating.
4. fatigue.
5. unexplained weight loss.
6. abdominal pain or tenderness.

Can you see pinworms?

If you have pinworms, you might see the worms in the toilet after you go to the bathroom. They look like tiny pieces of white thread. You also might see them on your underwear when you wake up in the morning. But the pinworm eggs are too tiny to be seen without a microscope.

What can be mistaken for pinworms?

Affected individuals typically present with perianal itching, and diagnosis is made by observing female worms in the perianal area. Mung bean sprouts are much larger than pinworms (Figure 2); roundworms or tapeworms are much more comparable in size.

How do adults know if they have pinworms?

An adult pinworm generally is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as worms migrate to the host’s anal area to lay their eggs.

What happens if pinworms left untreated?

If left untreated, the intense itching and scratching associated with these infections will result in secondary bacterial infections. Some of these may be difficult to treat. Untreated people can continue to infect other people.