What is the Difference Between Pinworm and Ringworm

The key difference between pinworm and ringworm is that pinworm is a parasitic infection caused in the gastrointestinal tract, while ringworm is a superficial skin infection caused by fungi. 

Pinworm and ringworm are infections seen in humans. Pinworm is a parasite and is another name for threadworm. Pinworm infection is the most common type of infection worldwide. A pinworm is a small, round and thin white worm, which is called Enterobius vermicularis. The full life cycle of these pinworms, from egg to mature adult, occurs in the human gastrointestinal tract. Ringworm is not a parasitic worm but a persistent fungal infection. Ringworm commonly affects the scalp, arms, and legs. They are contagious and easily spread. However, they are not serious and can be easily treated. The most common types of fungi that cause ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Pinworm 
3. What is Ringworm
4. Similarities – Pinworm and Ringworm
5. Pinworm vs Ringworm in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Pinworm vs Ringworm

What is Pinworm?

Pinworm is a parasitic organism that lives in the intestines and rectum of infected people. Pinworm is also known as a threadworm. A pinworm is about one and a half inches long, is usually small and thin, and appears in light gray or white in colour. They cause a common infection called enterobiasis or pinworm infection and are mostly found in children. While the infected person is at rest, the female pinworm leaves the intestinal tract and lays eggs on the skin around the anus. These eggs are laid on a jelly-like, sticky substance. This substance, along with the wriggling pinworm cause, severe itching and small irritation around the anus.

Pinworm infection spreads through scratching the bare anal area using fingers. The eggs get under the fingernails and spread in various ways. The eggs hatch while attached to the skin around the anus. They then move to the rectum and to the lower intestine. They grow to adult size within six weeks in the intestines. Pinworm infections spread in the presence of worms and eggs. The presence of female pinworms or eggs confirms the diagnosis of pinworms. Pinworms are rarely present in stool samples since bowel movements and regular bathing remove eggs.

Pinworm infection show symptoms such as itching of the anal and vaginal area, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, stomach pain, and nausea. It also causes complications such as urinary tract infections, abdominal infections, and weight loss. A common test known as the tape test can be carried out in the morning. This helps to pick up any pinworms or eggs present around the anus. The treatment of pinworms involves prescription or over-the-counter medicines such as Vermox, Albenza, or Reese’s Pinworm Medicine.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is an infection of the skin that is caused by a fungus. Despite the name ringworm, a worm does not cause the infection. Ringworm is also known as dermatophytosis or tinea. Ringworm infections affect both humans and animals. It initially appears as a scaly discoloured patch on the affected areas. These patches appear red on lighter skin or brown-gray on darker skin.

Ringworm often spreads to different parts of the body such as the scalp, hands, feet, groin, and nails. Ringworm of the body is commonly known as tinea corporis. This often appears as a patch with a ring shape around it. Ringworm of the scalp is tinea capitis. It initiates as scaling in the scalp and develops into scaly, bald patches, giving itchiness. Ringworm in the hands is known as tinea manuum. It usually is caused by touching another affected area and appears as dry skin with cracks. Ringworm in the groin is tinea cruris, and it usually starts as an itchy red, brown, and gray rash in the legs, inner thighs, groin, and buttocks. Ringworm in feet refers to tinea pedis. This appears as dry, scaly skin between toes, soles, and heels. Ringworm in nails refers to tinea unguium. The nails become thicker, discoloured, and cracked in this situation.

The main causes of ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton types of fungi. They live on damp areas of the skin surface. Ringworm is diagnosed by examining the skin and using a black light to view the affected area. Tests such as skin biopsy, fungal culture, and KOH exam also confirm the diagnosis. Medications such as antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays, and oral medications are used to treat ringworm.

What are the Similarities Between Pinworm and Ringworm?

• Pinworm and ringworm are two types of infections.
• Both affect humans.
• Moreover, both infections spread easily.
• Infections can be treated easily through medications.

What is the Difference Between Pinworm and Ringworm?

Pinworm is an infection in the gastrointestinal tract caused by a parasite, while ringworm is a superficial skin infection caused by fungi. This is the key difference between pinworm and ringworm. Pinworm infections are seen in the intestines, rectum, and anus, while ringworm causes infections in the skin.

The following table summarizes the difference between pinworm and ringworm.

Summary – Pinworm vs Ringworm

Pinworm is a parasitic infection caused in the gastrointestinal tract, while ringworm is a superficial skin infection caused by fungi. Pinworm is thin and round and about one and half inches long. Ringworm is not a parasitic worm but a persistent fungal infection. Moreover, pinworm causes infections in the intestines, rectum, and anus, while ringworm causes infections in the skin. This summarizes the difference between pinworm and ringworm.

Reference:

1. “Pinworm Infection.” Department of Health.
2. Dock, Elly. “Ringworm: Symptoms, Pictures, Treatment, Diagnosis & More.” Healthline, Healthline Media.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pinworms in the Appendix (1)” By Ed Uthman, MD – (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Dermatophytosis 20190815-02ASD” By Asurnipal – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia