Pinworms are small, thin, white parasitic worms that live in the human intestines. They are one of the most common intestinal worm infections, especially in children, households, schools, daycare settings, and shared living environments.
The reason pinworms spread so easily is simple: they spread through microscopic eggs. These eggs can move from the body to hands, fingernails, bedding, clothing, towels, bathroom surfaces, toys, food, and other people. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines, grow into adult worms, and continue the cycle.