Cutaneous larva migrans (abbreviated CLM) is a skin disease in humans, caused by the larvae of various nematode parasites of the hookworm family (Ancylostomatidae). The parasites live in the intestines of dogs, cats, and wild animals; they should not be confused with other members of the hookworm family for which humans are definitive hosts, namely Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
Colloquially named creeping eruption However the severity of the symptoms usually causes those infected to seek medical treatment before spontaneous resolution occurs. After proper treatment, migration of the larvae within the skin is halted and relief of the associated itching can occur in less than 48 hours (reported for thiabendazole).
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Cause
Hookworm eggs are shed in infected dog (or other animal) feces and are transferred to the ground and to beach sand, where they develop over a period of 1–2 weeks into an infectious larval form (filariform larvae). The filariform larvae can burrow through intact skin which comes into contact with soil or sand that is contaminated with feces. Although they are able to infect the deeper tissues of other animals (through to the lungs and then the intestinal tract), humans are incidental hosts and the larvae are only able to penetrate the epidermis of the skin.
Diagnosis
thumbObserving the lesions with the naked eye is sufficient to make a clinical diagnosis. Finding the larvae is difficult due to their small size and identifying the species to which they belong is more complicated. Therefore, careful observation of the serpiginous lesions, which progressively increase in length, as well as a history of contact with sandy soil contaminated with dog or cat feces, mainly on beaches, is considered sufficient for a correct diagnosis. (trade name Albenza) and ivermectin
- Another agent which can be applied either topically or taken by mouth is thiabendazole an anti-helminthic.
- Topical freezing agents including ethylene chloride or liquid nitrogen,