Updated: Jan 21, 2009
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a serpiginous eruption usually confined to the skin of the feet, buttocks, or abdomen caused by dog and cat hookworms, which are types of nematodes (roundworms).1 Skin findings are due to a hypersensitivity reaction to the worms and their byproducts.
Although CLM can occur in the temperate zones in the warmer months of the year, infection is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates. Modern ease of travel necessitates inclusion of CLM in the differential diagnosis of serpiginous pruritic lesions, regardless of the location of practice.
Larvae from animal nematodes that infect humans usually cause CLM. The normal hosts for these hookworms are cats and dogs, in which the roundworm eggs pass through the feces. The eggs optimally hatch in warm, shady, moist, sandy soil found in tropical and subtropical areas. Humans are infected with the larvae by walking barefoot on the sand. The larvae quickly penetrate the skin upon contact.
Beaches are the most common reservoir for the larvae that cause CLM; however, infection can occur from sandboxes and soil under houses or at construction sites. The prohibition of dogs and cats on beaches is a way to limit transmission of the infection.
Exact incidence is unknown; however, Jelinek et al reported that 6.7% of the 13,300 travelers visiting a travel-related disease clinic presented with CLM.2 In the United States, most cases occur in eastern and southern coastal areas from New Jersey to Texas. The highest incidence is in Florida.
Worldwide distribution is predominantly reported in tropical zones. CLM is indigenous to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Mortality from the infection is not reported. Most episodes of CLM resolve with or without treatment and with no long-term adverse consequences. Morbidity is associated with an intensely pruritic rash, which leads to secondary impetiginization and cellulitis. In rare incidents of CLM in which nematodes use a human as a definitive host, infection can lead to the completion of the nematode life cycle with adult worms residing in the intestines. This causes diarrhea, malabsorption, and malnutrition.
CLM has no racial predilection.
No sex predilection is observed.
CLM affects all ages in the appropriate environment.
| Dirofilariasis | Scabies |
| Fascioliasis | Strongyloidiasis |
| Gnathostomiasis | Toxocariasis |
| Hookworm Infection | Visceral Larva Migrans |
| Lyme Disease | |
| Paragonimiasis |
Dermatophytosis
Erythema chronicum migrans of Lyme disease
Ground itch
Larva currens
Migratory myiasis
Phytophotodermatitis
Stings by the Portuguese man-of-war or jellyfish
Anthelmintics are the drug of choice for cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). Parasite biochemical pathways are different from the human host; thus, toxicity is directed to the parasite, egg, or larvae. Mechanism of action varies within the drug class. Antiparasitic actions may include the following:
Broad-spectrum anthelmintic that is not FDA approved for the treatment of CLM but is suggested as DOC by many studies. Single-dose therapy makes this drug convenient. Available in the United States because of FDA approval for treatment of onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis. Selectively binds with glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing cell death. Half-life is 16 h; metabolized in liver. Available in 3 mg tabs.
0.2 mg/kg PO as a single dose
Typical weight-based doses (administer PO once as a single dose)
46-60 kg: 12 mg
61-75 kg: 15 mg
76-90 kg: 18 mg
91-105 kg: 21 mg
106-120 kg: 24 mg
Administer PO once as a single dose
<15 kg: 3 mg
16-30 kg: 6 mg
31-45 kg: 9 mg
May interact with other ligand-gated chloride channels (eg, those gated by GABA)
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Treat mothers who intend to breastfeed only when risk of delayed treatment outweighs possible risks to newborn caused by ivermectin excretion in milk; may cause nausea, vomiting, mild CNS depression, and drowsiness
Broad-spectrum antihelminthic drug used in nematode and cestode infestations; not FDA approved for treatment of CLM but has been shown by many studies to be highly effective with no or minimal adverse effects. Available in the United States because of FDA approval for treatment of hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis. Decreases ATP production in worm, causing energy depletion, immobilization, and, finally, death.
400 mg/d PO for 3 d
10-15 mg/kg PO qd for 3-5 d; not to exceed adult dose
Coadministration with carbamazepine may decrease efficacy; dexamethasone, cimetidine, and praziquantel may increase toxicity
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Discontinue use if LFT levels significantly increase (resume when levels decrease to pretest values); adverse effects include fever, abdominal pain, and transitory alopecia
Standard treatment of CLM has been topical thiabendazole; however, high rate of relapse is noted. Also, with less common causes due to human nematodes, does not prevent development of systemic illness or eliminate intestinal reservoir. PO thiabendazole is only FDA-approved drug for treatment of CLM. Therapy with PO formulation has been fraught with adverse effects.
Topical: (use 500 mg/5 mL PO susp or 10% extemporaneously prepared solution)
Apply topically to tracks and 2 cm beyond leading edge qid; continue 1-2 d after tracks resolve or saturate gauze with the PO susp and apply to tracks and 2 cm beyond leading edge, then cover area where applied with plastic wrap overnight for 3 consecutive nights
Oral (chewable tab or PO susp):
<70 kg: 25 mg/kg PO q12h pc for 2-5 d; not to exceed 3 g/d
>70 kg: 1.5 g PO q12h pc for 2-5 d
Chew tabs thoroughly before swallowing; take after meals with fruit juice
Administer as in adults
May elevate serum levels of theophylline, increasing toxicity (monitor serum levels and reduce dose prn)
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Closely monitor in patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction; may cause nausea, vomiting, and mild CNS depression; topical administration may cause stinging, burning, erythema, and edema in excoriated areas; tab should be chewed before swallowing
Causes worm death by selectively and irreversibly blocking uptake of glucose and other nutrients in susceptible adult intestine where helminths dwell.
100 mg PO bid for 3 d; second course if patient not cured in 3-4 wk
<2 years: Not established
>2 years: Administer as in adults
Carbamazepine and phenytoin may decrease effects of mebendazole; cimetidine may increase mebendazole levels
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Adjust dose in hepatic impairment
Brenner MA, Patel MB. Cutaneous larva migrans: the creeping eruption. Cutis. Aug 2003;72(2):111-5. [Medline].
Jelinek T, Maiwald H, Nothdurft HD, Loscher T. Cutaneous larva migrans in travelers: synopsis of histories, symptoms, and treatment of 98 patients. Clin Infect Dis. Dec 1994;19(6):1062-6. [Medline].
Butland RJ, Coulson IH. Pulmonary eosinophilia associated with cutaneous larva migrans. Thorax. Jan 1985;40(1):76-7. [Medline].
Wright DO, Gold EM. Loeffler's syndrome associated with creeping eruption (cutaneous helminthiasis). Arch Intern Med. 1946;78:303-12.
Burkhart CG, Burkhart CN. Cutaneous larva migrans complicated by erythema multiforme. Cutis. Oct 1998;62(4):170. [Medline].
Ansart S, Perez L, Jaureguiberry S, et al. Spectrum of dermatoses in 165 travelers returning from the tropics with skin diseases. Am J Trop Med Hyg. Jan 2007;76(1):184-6. [Medline].
Bouchaud O, Houze S, Schiemann R, et al. Cutaneous larva migrans in travelers: a prospective study, with assessment of therapy with ivermectin. Clin Infect Dis. Aug 2000;31(2):493-8. [Medline].
Caumes E. It's time to distinguish the sign 'creeping eruption' from the syndrome 'cutaneous larva migrans'. Dermatology. 2006;213(3):179-81. [Medline].
Caumes E, Carriere J, Datry A, et al. A randomized trial of ivermectin versus albendazole for the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans. Am J Trop Med Hyg. Nov 1993;49(5):641-4. [Medline].
Cayce KA, Scott CM, Phillips CM, Frederick C, Park HK. What is your diagnosis? Cutaneous larva migrans. Cutis. Jun 2007;79(6):429, 435-6. [Medline].
Chaudhry AZ, Longworth DL. Cutaneous manifestations of intestinal helminthic infections. Dermatol Clin. Apr 1989;7(2):275-90. [Medline].
Cutaneous larva migrans in American tourists. Martinique and Mexico. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Jul 3 1981;30(25):308, 313. [Medline].
Davies HD, Sakuls P, Keystone JS. Creeping eruption. A review of clinical presentation and management of 60 cases presenting to a tropical disease unit. Arch Dermatol. May 1993;129(5):588-91. [Medline].
Edelglass JW, Douglass MC, Stiefler R, Tessler M. Cutaneous larva migrans in northern climates. A souvenir of your dream vacation. J Am Acad Dermatol. Sep 1982;7(3):353-8. [Medline].
Elsner E, Thewes M, Worret WI. Cutaneous larva migrans detected by epiluminescent microscopy [letter]. Acta Derm Venereol. Nov 1997;77(6):487-8. [Medline].
Grassi A, Angelo C, Grosso MG, Paradisi M. Perianal cutaneous larva migrans in a child. Pediatr Dermatol. Sep-Oct 1998;15(5):367-9. [Medline].
Hardin TF Jr. Management of cutaneous larva migrans in pediatric practice: report on 200 cases. J Am Osteopath Assoc. May 1969;68(9):970-2. [Medline].
Heukelbach J, Feldmeier H. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. Lancet Infect Dis. May 2008;8(5):302-9. [Medline].
Hotez PJ, Brooker S, Bethony JM, et al. Hookworm infection. N Engl J Med. Aug 19 2004;351(8):799-807. [Medline].
Jensenius M, Maeland A, Brubakk O. Extensive hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans in Norwegian travellers to the tropics. Travel Med Infect Dis. Jan-Mar 2008;6(1-2):45-7. [Medline].
Kahn G, Johnson JA. Serum IGE levels in cutaneous Larva Migrans. Int J Dermatol. Jul-Sep 1971;10(3):201-3. [Medline].
Kaminska-Winciorek G, Pierzchala E, Brzezinska-Wcislo L. Cutaneous larva migrans syndrome: clinical and ultrasonographic picture of the skin lesions. Eur J Dermatol. May-Jun 2007;17(3):246-7. [Medline].
Kelkar R. Cutaneous larva migrans in England: a case in a returning traveller. Emerg Med J. Sep 2007;24(9):678. [Medline].
Kienast A, Bialek R, Hoeger PH. Cutaneous larva migrans in northern Germany. Eur J Pediatr. Jan 10 2007;[Medline].
Kim TH, Lee BS, Sohn WM. Three clinical cases of cutaneous larva migrans. Korean J Parasitol. Jun 2006;44(2):145-9. [Medline].
Lederman ER, Weld LH, Elyazar IR, et al. Dermatologic conditions of the ill returned traveler: an analysis from the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network. Int J Infect Dis. Nov 2008;12(6):593-602. [Medline].
Lemery J. Images in emergency medicine. Cutaneous larvae migrans. Ann Emerg Med. Jul 2008;52(1):82, 92. [Medline].
Loughrey MB, Irvine AD, Girdwood RW, McMillan JC. Cutaneous larva migrans: the case for routine oral treatment [letter]. Br J Dermatol. Jul 1997;137(1):155-6. [Medline].
Mattone-Volpe F. Cutaneous larva migrans infection in the pediatric foot. A review and two case reports. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. May 1998;88(5):228-31. [Medline].
Micantonio T, Peris K. What is your call?: pruritic, serpiginous eruption in a returning traveller. CMAJ. Jul 1 2008;179(1):51-2. [Medline].
Monsel G, Caumes E. Recent developments in dermatological syndromes in returning travelers. Curr Opin Infect Dis. Oct 2008;21(5):495-9. [Medline].
Morsy H, Mogensen M, Thomsen J, Thrane L, Andersen PE, Jemec GB. Imaging of cutaneous larva migrans by optical coherence tomography. Travel Med Infect Dis. Jul 2007;5(4):243-6. [Medline].
O'Quinn JC, Dushin R. Cutaneous larva migrans: case report with current recommendations for treatment. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. May-Jun 2005;95(3):291-4. [Medline].
Ottesen EA, Campbell WC. Ivermectin in human medicine. J Antimicrob Chemother. Aug 1994;34(2):195-203. [Medline].
Outbreak of cutaneous larva migrans at a children's camp--Miami, Florida, 2006. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Dec 14 2007;56(49):1285-7. [Medline].
Puente Puente S, Bru Gorraiz F, Azuara Solis M, et al. [Cutaneous larva migrans: 34 outside cases]. Rev Clin Esp. Dec 2004;204(12):636-9. [Medline].
Rao R, Prabhu S, Sripathi H. Cutaneous larva migrans of the genitalia. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. Jul-Aug 2007;73(4):270-1. [Medline].
Rizzitelli G, Scarabelli G, Veraldi S. Albendazole: a new therapeutic regimen in cutaneous larva migrans. Int J Dermatol. Sep 1997;36(9):700-3. [Medline].
Sanchez Fernandez I, Julia Manresa M, Gonzalez Ensenat MA, Vicente Villa MA. Picture of the month--quiz case. Bullous cutaneous larva migrans. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. May 2008;162(5):485-6. [Medline].
Shinkar RM, Stocks R, Thomas E. Cutaneous larva migrans, creeping eruption, sand worm. Arch Dis Child. Oct 2005;90(10):998. [Medline].
The Medical Letter. Drugs for Parasitic Infections. Medical Letter On Drugs and Therapeutics. Available at http://medlet-best.securesites.com/html/parasitic.htm.
Van den Enden E, Stevens A, Van Gompel A. Treatment of cutaneous larva migrans [letter; comment]. N Engl J Med. Oct 22 1998;339(17):1246-7. [Medline].
Vaughan TK, English JC 3rd. Cutaneous larva migrans complicated by erythema multiforme. Cutis. Jul 1998;62(1):33-5. [Medline].
Veraldi S, Rizzitelli G. Effectiveness of a new therapeutic regimen with albendazole in cutaneous larva migrans. Eur J Dermatol. Jul-Aug 1999;9(5):352-3. [Medline].
cutaneous larva migrans, CLM, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Ancylostoma duodenale, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Capillaria, creeping eruption, diarrhea, duck hunter itch, Gnathostoma, ground itch, hookworm, hypersensitivity reaction, malabsorption, Necator americanus, nematodes, ocular larva migrans, plumber itch, roundworm, sandworm disease, serpiginous pruritic lesions, Strongyloides myopotami, Strongyloides papillosus, Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyloides westeri, Uncinaria stenocephala
Robert W Tolan Jr, MD, Chief, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine
Robert W Tolan Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Physicians for Social Responsibility
Disclosure: GlaxoSmithKline Honoraria Speaking and teaching; MedImmune Honoraria Consulting; MedImmune Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Merck Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Novartis Honoraria Speaking and teaching; sanofi pasteur Grant/research funds Unrestricted research grant; sanofi pasteur Consulting; sanofi pasteur Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Tap Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Baxter Healthcare Honoraria Speaking and teaching
Jining Wang, MD, Department of Dermatology, Dean Health System
Jining Wang, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Kim Wang, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Medical School
Kim Wang, MD is a member of the following medical societies: United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Michael D Nissen, MBBS, BMedSc, FRACP, FRCPA, Associate Professor in Biomolecular, Biomedical Science & Health, Griffith University; Director of Infectious Diseases and Unit Head of Queensland Paediatric Infectious Laboratory, Sir Albert Sakzewski Viral Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital
Michael D Nissen, MBBS, BMedSc, FRACP, FRCPA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society for Microbiology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from financial planner; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from financial planner ; WebMD Salary and stock Employment and investment from financial planner
Martin Weisse, MD, Program Director, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University
Martin Weisse, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Ambulatory Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Robert W Tolan Jr, MD, Chief, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine
Robert W Tolan Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Physicians for Social Responsibility
Disclosure: GlaxoSmithKline Honoraria Speaking and teaching; MedImmune Honoraria Consulting; MedImmune Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Merck Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Novartis Honoraria Speaking and teaching; sanofi pasteur Grant/research funds Unrestricted research grant; sanofi pasteur Consulting; sanofi pasteur Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Tap Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Baxter Healthcare Honoraria Speaking and teaching
Russell W Steele, MD, Head, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ochsner Children's Health Center; Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine
Russell W Steele, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Immunologists, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Louisiana State Medical Society, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Society for Pediatric Research, and Southern Medical Association
Disclosure: None None None