Complications of pinworm infection

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Complications of pinworm infections are rare but may include:

Bacterial infection around the anus or of the skin in the genital area. This is usually due to skin being irritated or bleeding from itching in these areas.
Pinworm infection of the vagina (vulvovaginitis).
Pinworm infection of the urethra (urethritis) or a secondary infection of the urinary tract (cystitis).
Pinworm infection of the internal female sex organs (endometritis, salpingitis, and oophoritis).
Inflammation inside the abdomen (peritonitis).
An area of inflammation with a pocket of pus within the lower part of the intestine (rectal abscess).
Irritation of the tissue covering the inside of the eyelid and eyeball (conjunctival sac irritation).
Long-term inflammation and scar tissue (granulomas) in the prostate or liver. This is very rare.
- Prostate granulomas occur when pinworms travel up the urethra and settle in the prostate gland .
- Liver granulomas occur in females if pinworms travel through the reproductive system, get into the abdomen, and attach to the liver .

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Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
Last Updated	September 11, 2008

Last updated:	September 11, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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