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Cutaneous Larva Migrans Discharge Instructions


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 care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. If you have a cream, apply it as ordered.
  • Wash your hands with ordinary hand soap before and after cleaning your wound.
  • Do not scratch your skin. You can apply cold compresses or rub it with an ice cube to relieve itchiness.
  • If you have blisters, cover them with bandages. Do not pick or break them. It may help lessen the risk of a second infection.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Kill the parasites
  • Relieve itching

Will physical activity be limited?


Your activity will not be limited. ‚  

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.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge.
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.

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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