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Author's details

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Creeping Eruptions (Cutaneous Larva Migrans)

Background

Creeping eruptions, caused by the larvae of hookworms penetrating the skin, appear as serpiginous, itchy, red tracks that may be harder to distinguish on darker skin tones. The condition is often intensely itchy and localized to areas like the feet, where the larvae enter. Treatment includes oral or topical anti-parasitic medications, such as albendazole or ivermectin, along with antihistamines to control itching.

References
  • Leung AK, Barankin B, Hon KL. Cutaneous larva migrans. Recent patents on inflammation & allergy drug discovery. 2017 May 1;11(1):2-11.
  • Caumes E. Treatment of cutaneous larva migrans. Clinical infectious diseases. 2000 May 1;30(5):811-4.
  • Rodriguez-Morales AJ, González-Leal N, Montes-Montoya MC, Fernández-Espíndola L, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Azeñas-Burgoa JM, de Medina JC, Rotela-Fisch V, Bermudez-Calderon M, Arteaga-Livias K, Larsen FD. Cutaneous larva migrans. Current Tropical Medicine Reports. 2021 Sep;8:190-203.
  • (Image credit: Courtesy of Elsevier Inc., 2017). After Vacation, Woman Learns Her Rash Is a Worm Under Her Skin. 2017; Available at: https://www.livescience.com/58764-hookworm-cutaneous-larva-migrans.html. Accessed 0215, 2024.
  • Courtesy of Dr Sampaio B. 68 Cutaneous Larva Migrans. Available at: https://plasticsurgerykey.com/68-cutaneous-larva-migrans/. Accessed 0215, 2024.

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