Medication Summary

Oral albendazole, oral ivermectin, or topical ivermectin are the usual treatment choices,^{[18, 19, 20]}along with perhaps thiabendazole (not available in the United States).^[21]

Class Summary

Parasite biochemical pathways are sufficiently different from the human host to allow selective interference by chemotherapeutic agents in relatively small doses.

Ivermectin (Stromectol)

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Ivermectin is a semisynthetic macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic agent with broad-spectrum action against nematodes by producing flaccid paralysis through binding of the glutamate-gated chloride ion channels. It may become the drug of choice because of safety, low toxicity, and single dosing, which enhance patient compliance.

Albendazole (Albenza)

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Albendazole is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole carbamate anthelmintic that acts by interfering with glucose uptake and disrupting microtubule aggregation. Use it as an alternative to thiabendazole.

Questions

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Jones WB 2nd. Cutaneous larva migrans. South Med J. 1993 Nov. 86(11):1311-3. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
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González F CG, Galilea O NM, Pizarro C K. [Autochthonous cutaneous larva migrans in Chile. A case report]. Rev Chil Pediatr. 2015 Oct 8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
Vega-Lopez F, Hay RJ. Parasitic worms and Protozoa. Burns T, Breathnach S, Cox N, Griffiths C, eds. Rook's Textbook of Dermatology. 8th ed. United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publisher (P) Ltd; 2010. 37.16–37.17.
Veraldi S, Persico MC, Francia C, Schianchi R. Chronic hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. Int J Infect Dis. 2013 Apr. 17 (4):e277-9. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
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Media Gallery

A patient who was sunbathing nude on a beach in Martinique presented with classic erythematous, serpiginous tracts on the left heel.
Cutaneous larva migrans on the right thumb.
Cutaneous larva migrans on the left thigh.

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Author

David T Robles, MD, PhD, FAAD Director, Dermatology Division, Chaparral Medical Group

David T Robles, MD, PhD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Jacquiline Habashy, DO, MSc Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Jacquiline Habashy, DO, MSc is a member of the following medical societies: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

David F Butler, MD Former Section Chief of Dermatology, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System; Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Founding Chair, Department of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Phi Beta Kappa, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

Daniel Mark Siegel, MD, MS Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center

Daniel Mark Siegel, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Association for Physician Leadership, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Margaret C Douglass, MD Program Director, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Lydia A Juzych, MD Senior Staff, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health Sciences Center

Lydia A Juzych, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Dermatological Society, American Medical Association, American Medical Student Association/Foundation, American Medical Women's Association, Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.