Ground itch: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Ground itch | |||
| synonyms = [[Cutaneous larva migrans]], [[creeping eruption]] | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]], [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = Itchy, red, raised rash on the skin | |||
| complications = [[Secondary bacterial infection]] | |||
| onset = 1-5 days after exposure | |||
| duration = 1-2 weeks | |||
| causes = [[Hookworm]] larvae, primarily ''[[Ancylostoma braziliense]]'' and ''[[Ancylostoma caninum]]'' | |||
| risks = Walking barefoot on contaminated soil | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, history of exposure | |||
| differential = [[Tinea corporis]], [[Scabies]], [[Contact dermatitis]] | |||
| prevention = Wearing shoes, avoiding contaminated soil | |||
| treatment = [[Anthelmintics]] such as [[albendazole]] or [[ivermectin]] | |||
| frequency = Common in tropical and subtropical regions | |||
}} | |||
'''Ground itch''' is a condition that is caused by the [[parasitic]] [[hookworm]]. It is also known as [[Necator americanus]] or [[Ancylostoma duodenale]]. The condition is characterized by an itchy rash that occurs when the larvae of the hookworm penetrate the skin. This is often the first sign of a hookworm infection. | '''Ground itch''' is a condition that is caused by the [[parasitic]] [[hookworm]]. It is also known as [[Necator americanus]] or [[Ancylostoma duodenale]]. The condition is characterized by an itchy rash that occurs when the larvae of the hookworm penetrate the skin. This is often the first sign of a hookworm infection. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Ground itch is caused by the larvae of the hookworm. These parasites live in the soil and can penetrate the skin of humans who come into contact with contaminated soil. The larvae then travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they are coughed up and swallowed. This allows them to reach the intestines, where they mature into adult worms. | Ground itch is caused by the larvae of the hookworm. These parasites live in the soil and can penetrate the skin of humans who come into contact with contaminated soil. The larvae then travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they are coughed up and swallowed. This allows them to reach the intestines, where they mature into adult worms. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of ground itch is an itchy rash. This rash typically appears on the feet or hands, as these are the areas that are most likely to come into contact with contaminated soil. Other symptoms of a hookworm infection can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and anemia. | The primary symptom of ground itch is an itchy rash. This rash typically appears on the feet or hands, as these are the areas that are most likely to come into contact with contaminated soil. Other symptoms of a hookworm infection can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and anemia. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for ground itch involves medications that kill the hookworms. These medications, known as anthelmintics, include [[mebendazole]] and [[albendazole]]. In severe cases, iron supplements may also be needed to treat anemia. | Treatment for ground itch involves medications that kill the hookworms. These medications, known as anthelmintics, include [[mebendazole]] and [[albendazole]]. In severe cases, iron supplements may also be needed to treat anemia. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of ground itch involves avoiding contact with contaminated soil. This can be achieved by wearing shoes when walking in areas where hookworm is common, and by not defecating in the soil. | Prevention of ground itch involves avoiding contact with contaminated soil. This can be achieved by wearing shoes when walking in areas where hookworm is common, and by not defecating in the soil. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Hookworm]] | * [[Hookworm]] | ||
* [[Parasitic diseases]] | * [[Parasitic diseases]] | ||
* [[Skin conditions]] | * [[Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | [[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:18, 4 April 2025
| Ground itch | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Cutaneous larva migrans, creeping eruption |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Itchy, red, raised rash on the skin |
| Complications | Secondary bacterial infection |
| Onset | 1-5 days after exposure |
| Duration | 1-2 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Hookworm larvae, primarily Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma caninum |
| Risks | Walking barefoot on contaminated soil |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, history of exposure |
| Differential diagnosis | Tinea corporis, Scabies, Contact dermatitis |
| Prevention | Wearing shoes, avoiding contaminated soil |
| Treatment | Anthelmintics such as albendazole or ivermectin |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in tropical and subtropical regions |
| Deaths | N/A |
Ground itch is a condition that is caused by the parasitic hookworm. It is also known as Necator americanus or Ancylostoma duodenale. The condition is characterized by an itchy rash that occurs when the larvae of the hookworm penetrate the skin. This is often the first sign of a hookworm infection.
Causes[edit]
Ground itch is caused by the larvae of the hookworm. These parasites live in the soil and can penetrate the skin of humans who come into contact with contaminated soil. The larvae then travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they are coughed up and swallowed. This allows them to reach the intestines, where they mature into adult worms.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of ground itch is an itchy rash. This rash typically appears on the feet or hands, as these are the areas that are most likely to come into contact with contaminated soil. Other symptoms of a hookworm infection can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and anemia.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for ground itch involves medications that kill the hookworms. These medications, known as anthelmintics, include mebendazole and albendazole. In severe cases, iron supplements may also be needed to treat anemia.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of ground itch involves avoiding contact with contaminated soil. This can be achieved by wearing shoes when walking in areas where hookworm is common, and by not defecating in the soil.
