BAJAN SUN
Bajan Sun Magazine
SEPT 2014
SKIN GURU
CUTANEOUS
LARVA MIGRANS
(BEACH WORM)
By Dr. Andrew Forde
Cutaneous larva migrans
is
a
parasitic
skin
infection
caused
by
hookworm larvae, which
infest cats, dogs and
other animals.
Humans can be infected
by walking barefooted on
sandy beaches, sand on
construction sites and
moist soils, which have
been contaminated by
animal
faeces.
The
parasite eggs are usually
deposited in the faeces of
infected dogs. On contact
with the human skin, the
larvae can penetrate
through hair follicles,
cracks and intact skin to
cause
infection.
Fortunately the larvae
can only migrate within
the skin but are unable to
penetrate and gain further
access to the blood,
lymphatics and intestines.
There is an initial tingling
or prickling sensation
within thirty minutes of
the parasite penetrating
the skin. The patient
observes intense itching
and a mobile serpiginous
raised track on the skin.
These tracks are 2-3mm
wide and can wind in a
snake
like
fashion
stretching 3-4cm from the
initial entry site. Tracks
advance a few millimetres
to a few centimetres per
day.
The sites most commonly
affected are the feet,
hands
knees
and
buttocks. It is possible to
have
several
simultaneous areas of
infestation.
Without treatment itching subsides in 4-8
weeks. Topical and oral antihelmintics (worm
medicine) are effective. Liquid nitrogen (dry
ice) can also be used.
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