Cutaneous Larva Migrans - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Definition

A creeping eruption is a skin rash. A larval worm, typically a nematode, that wanders in the host tissues but does not develop to the adult stage. It may be caused by the migration of dog or cat hookworm larvae beneath the skin. Humans can pick up the infection by walking barefoot on soil or beaches contaminated with animal feces. The disease is self-limiting.

The hookworms that cause the condition are small, round blood-sucking worms that infest about 700 million people around the world. Cutaneous larva migrans is also known as ancylostoma braziliense,creeping eruption and cutaneous larvae migrans.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Causes

The main risk factor for this disease is contact with damp, sandy soil contaminated with infected cat and dog feces. The larvae may migrate at rates of a few millimeters to a few centimeters per day. Severe itching is common. beaches and other moist sandy areas are common locations for infection. Cutaneous larva migrans may be commonly found in shaded, moist, or sandy areas, where they are easily picked up by bare feet or buttocks. The larva becomes trapped under the skin, unable to reach the intestines to complete its normal life cycle.

Cutaneous larva migrans travel through the bloodstream, to the lungs, and then migrate into the mouth where they are swallowed and attach to the small intestine lining. The hookworms that cause the condition are small, round blood-sucking worms that infest about 700 million people around the world.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Symptoms

Between a few days and a few months after infection, the larvae begin to migrate beneath the skin. The red, raised, tunnel on the surface of the skin may be the symptom of Cutaneous larva migrans. Mainly, these red lines usually appear at the top of the sole of the foot or on the buttocks. In cases where the larvae migrate through the lungs, they can produce anemia, cough , and pneumonia , in addition to the itchy rash.

The other symptoms of the Cutaneous larva migrans may be included:

• snakelike tracks in the skin that may migrate over time - in severely infested individuals, there may be several tracks noted.
• Itching at the site of penetration of the larvae and along the migratory path of the larvae, which may be more severe at night
• Occasional blister formation along the migratory path.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Treatments

People without intestinal symptoms do not need treatment, since the worms will eventually die or be excreted.

Topical or oral thiabendazole may be used in the treatment of this infection for 2 or 3 days.

Other agents, such as albendazole and ivermectin may also be effective.

Albenza Tablets, Mintezol Chewable Tablets and Stromectol Tablets may also be given for the treatment of Cutaneous larva migrans.