About this topic
Cutaneous larva migrans is a skin disease. You become infected with the eggs of dog or cat hookworms when you walk or sit in warm moist soil or sand where the eggs thrive. The eggs are also known as larvae. They look like a twisted line on your skin. This is caused by how the larvae burrow under your skin. The larvae get into your skin through tiny openings around your hairs. They can also come in through cracks or even intact skin. ‚
This illness is most often found in tropical and subtropical areas. It is often found in areas with beaches. In humans, this illness will often go away on its own. But, there can be side effects that need treatment. ‚
Your doctor may treat this infection by giving you drugs. ‚
What are the causes?
Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by a hookworm parasite. They are found in stools of dogs and cats that have this infection. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Tingling or prickling feeling in the skin
- Snakelike tracks in the skin. These are slightly raised and may be pink or flesh colored.
- Blisters
- Very bad itching
- Areas more likely to be affected are the top and bottoms of the feet, toes, hands, knees, and buttocks
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and look at your skin with care. This is all that is often needed to learn the cause of your problem. Your doctor may order tests like: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will treat this infection by giving you drugs. You may either have a pill or a special cream. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Kill the parasites
- Relieve itching
What problems could happen?
- Skin infections due to scratching
- Skin scarring
- Deeper tissue infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid walking barefoot, especially on areas where hookworm infestations are known.
- Do not sit directly on the ground. Use a barrier, like a blanket, between you and the ground.
- Use care before allowing young children to play in an open sandbox
- Keep your cats and dogs away from the beach.
- Deworm your pets regularly. Make sure their exams and shots are up to date.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Cover childrens sandboxes when not in use.
Where can I learn more?
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/cutaneous-larva-migrans.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/zoonotichookworm/gen_info/faqs.html ‚
New Zealand Dermatologic Society ‚
http://dermnetnz.org/arthropods/larva-migrans.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚