Cutaneous larva migrans

• Itchy tropical dermatosis caused by dog or cat hookworm in tropical countries

Background

Microbiology

• Caused by non-human hookworms, including Ancylostoma braziliense (most common), Ancylostoma caninum, or Uncinaria stenocephala dog and cat hookworms
  • Humans are a dead-end incidental host
• Rarely, caused by other zoonotic hookworms

Clinical Presentation

• Characterized by appearance of serpiginous, raised, erythematous, burrowing tracks typically found on the feet
• Lesions are usually itchy, may be painful
• Progress more slowly than larva currens

Management

• Lesions with spontaneously resolve given time, but if the pruritis is severe then may benefit from treatment
• Ivermectin 200 mcg/kg po once, can be repeated a second time
• Alternatively, albendazole 200 to 400 mg po bid for 3 to 5 days (with food)