Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by Ancylostoma species, most commonly dog or cat hookworm Ancylostoma braziliense.
Hookworm ova in dog or cat feces develop into infective larvae when left in warm moist ground or sand. Transmission occurs when skin directly contacts contaminated soil or sand and larvae penetrate unprotected skin, usually of the feet, legs, buttocks, or back.
Cutaneous larva migrans occurs worldwide but most commonly in tropical environments. Emergence of this condition in previously naive countries is thought to be due to climate change (1 General references Cutaneous larva migrans is the skin manifestation of hookworm infestation. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is oral or topical antihelminthic therapy. Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by Ancylostoma... read more 
).
This photo shows a rash on a foot caused by the burrowing larvae of animal hookworms. The movement of the larvae beneath the skin causes distinct patterns of red wheals accompanied by intense pruritus.
© Springer Science+Business Media
This photo shows a a superficial raised serpiginous tract on the dorsal aspect of the foot.
Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD.
Cutaneous larva migrans causes intense pruritus. Signs are erythema and papules at the site of entry, followed by a winding, threadlike subcutaneous trail of reddish brown inflammation. Patients may also develop papules and vesicles resembling folliculitis Folliculitis Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment for most cases of bacterial folliculitis is with topical mupirocin or clindamycin. (See also Overview of Bacterial... read more 
, called hookworm folliculitis.
Cutaneous larva migrans may be complicated by a self-limiting pulmonary reaction called Löffler syndrome Löffler Syndrome Löffler syndrome is a form of eosinophilic pulmonary disease characterized by absent or mild respiratory symptoms (most often dry cough), fleeting migratory pulmonary opacities, and peripheral... read more (patchy pulmonary infiltrates and peripheral blood eosinophilia) (2 General references Cutaneous larva migrans is the skin manifestation of hookworm infestation. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is oral or topical antihelminthic therapy. Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by Ancylostoma... read more ).
Diagnosis of cutaneous larva migrans is by history and clinical appearance.
General references
1. Ahmed A, Hemaida MA, Hagelnur AA, et al: Sudden emergence and spread of cutaneous larva migrans in Sudan: A case series calls for urgent actions. IDCases 32:e01789, 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01789
2. Podder I, Chandra S, Gharami RC: Loeffler's syndrome following cutaneous larva migrans: An uncommon sequel. Indian J Dermatol 61(2):190–192, 2016. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.177753
Treatment of Cutaneous Larva Migrans
Oral or topical antihelminthic therapy
Although the infection usually resolves spontaneously after a few weeks, discomfort and the risk of secondary bacterial infection warrant treatment.
Treatment consists of antihelminthic therapy with oral or topical agents. Oral medications are generally preferred because they are generally well-tolerated and easier to use and obtain than topical agents. Oral ivermectin and albendazole are effective treatment options. Topical albendazole 10% ointment (compounded) and thiabendazole 15% liquid or cream (compounded) can be used as alternatives.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
ivermectin |
Sklice, Soolantra, Stromectol |
albendazole |
Albenza |
