What is a characteristic symptom of pinworm infection?

A characteristic symptom of pinworm infection is vulvar itching that is primarily felt at night. This nocturnal itching is due to the female pinworms migrating to the anal area to lay their eggs, typically during the night. The intense itching can lead to discomfort and sleep disturbances for the affected child, which can be particularly distressing.

The timing of the itching is significant; it typically occurs at night when the activity of the worms coincides with the heightened awareness of the symptoms, as the child is less distracted and may focus more on the discomfort. This symptom is an important indicator for diagnosing pinworm infection and can help distinguish it from other types of infections or conditions that could cause itching.

In contrast, options that mention daytime itching alone do not encompass the distinctive nocturnal nature of pinworm-related symptoms. Symptoms such as persistent cough and fever or cold-like symptoms typically point to respiratory infections rather than gastrointestinal issues like pinworm infections, which are primarily characterized by anal itching.