Pinworms or not?

[emilyer]

So I'm in college and my rectum and vaginal area have been very very itchy for about 2 months. I'm not sure if its pin worms (it doesn't itch all the time, mostly when I go to the bathroom and getting ready for bed). Any suggestions? I would appriciate it..

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Vaginal itching can be due to contact dermatitis,vaginitis(inflammation of the vagina) or candida infection.It can also be due to pinworms.

Take some precautionary measures like avoid wearing tight fitting clothing like jeans and pantyhose and underwear made from synthetic fibresRemove wet or damp bathing suits immediately after swimming,avoid douching, perfumed soaps, bubble baths and toiletries,change underwear daily,wash underwear in hot water (to destroy fungi) and double rinse (to remove any irritating detergent) and take adequate nutrition and sleep.Also use some antifungal pessaries like clotrimazole (Femizole-7), miconazole (Monistat-Derm, Monistat Vaginal) or nystatin which are available over the counter.If the symptoms persist then other possibilities have to be ruled out.Stool examination may be needed for pinworms.Pls consult a gynecologist in that case.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[Carol in PA]

Perhaps it's time to be evaluated by a physician.
Does your college have a health dispensary for the students?
If not, you can make an appointment with your family doctor or with a gynecologist.

Wishing you the best,
Carol