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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Symptoms Of Pinworms?

Hi,

I believe I have pinworms. My internet queries solidly indicate this issue. I've been taking albenzole and mebendazole for a year now and they have not gone away. Albenzole is not a prescription item here and the mebendazole came from another country where it's not a prescription item. I've been to the doctor overseas here on three occasions, but they say it's very rare here, but pinworms is what they suspect. Months before I started treatment they were all over me, I would put transparent tape around my hips and hundreds would get stuck on the tape. They were obviously just pouring out of my anus. I took the tape to the clinic here and it came back negative, but I really think they were clueless. It was so clear there were these little white v-shaped threads, how could they not figure it out? After I started albenzole they dimished a lot, but I still feel them crawling on my anus and walking on my scalp. It appears that they are living in my scalp, it appear they have moved though my bloodstream to different parts of my body. I have not seen this issue in my internet queries. I have a metal lice comb that I use daily to try to get rid of them on my head, but they come back daily. I was taking 1/2 tab albenzole for 5 days, then off for 5 days, but that didn't cure. Then I went to 1 tab per day, 5 days on, 5 days off, then 14days on. Still not cured. Then I used 250mg Mebendazole twice a day for 3 days, off for 5, 3 on, 5 off. Still not cured. I'm guessing the eggs floating around may be one issue, but I'm starting to think I have something far more serious going on. I have two dogs that stay on one sofa and am thinking they stir up the eggs. I have treated them for heartworms so unless they are reinfecting themself by breathing their own worm eggs (assuming they have worms, which I see no evidence that they do). The meds I'm taking have reduced the worms but I am taking way too much and they are still around. I have followed all the different advice regarding sanitation, I am squeeky clean and wash my hands/nails with a nail brush, roller my bed linens with a lint roller after getting up and before sleeping, wash all clothes in hot water, carefully avoid breathing near my dirty laundry when I'm changing clothes or putting stuff in the washer. I hope there's some good advice coming. Thank you.
Thu, 7 Jan 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Pinworms, as you mentioned, do not usually travel to different aspects of the body. They are not present in the bloodstream so it is not likely that they have traveled to different parts of the body.

A stool sample sent to the lab would be able to determine if you have any parasites in the stool.

Blood tests for complete blood count and ESR would determine if any infection is present.

You are also correct in saying that using these medications persistently is too much, this is the reason you should have the tests done to see if you need to still take them.

A gastroenterologist or infection control specialist may the best doctor for assessment.

I hope this helps
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What Are The Symptoms Of Pinworms?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Pinworms, as you mentioned, do not usually travel to different aspects of the body. They are not present in the bloodstream so it is not likely that they have traveled to different parts of the body. A stool sample sent to the lab would be able to determine if you have any parasites in the stool. Blood tests for complete blood count and ESR would determine if any infection is present. You are also correct in saying that using these medications persistently is too much, this is the reason you should have the tests done to see if you need to still take them. A gastroenterologist or infection control specialist may the best doctor for assessment. I hope this helps