Cutaneous larva migrans

Cutaneous larva migrans is a skin disease in humans, caused by the larvae of various nematode parasites of the hookworm family (Ancylostomatidae). The most common species causing this disease in the Americas are Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma caninum, both of which are found in the feces of dogs and cats.

Causes

Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by infection with hookworm larvae in contaminated soil. The larvae are able to penetrate the skin and migrate under the skin's surface, causing intense itching and a characteristic serpiginous track marking.

Symptoms

The main symptom of cutaneous larva migrans is intense itching, which is caused by the migration of the larvae under the skin. The larvae leave a characteristic serpiginous track, which is a visible red line that moves as the larvae migrate. Other symptoms may include a rash, blisters, and swelling.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cutaneous larva migrans is primarily based on the characteristic clinical presentation. The history of exposure to a potentially contaminated environment, such as a beach or a sandbox, is also important. Laboratory tests are not usually necessary, but a skin biopsy may be performed in some cases.

Treatment

The treatment of cutaneous larva migrans includes oral medications such as albendazole and ivermectin. Topical treatments, such as thiabendazole, can also be used. In some cases, the infection may resolve on its own without treatment.

Prevention

Prevention of cutaneous larva migrans involves avoiding contact with potentially contaminated soil, especially in areas where dogs and cats are present. Wearing protective footwear in these areas can also help prevent infection.

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Translate this page: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian