Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by larvae of nematodes such as hookworms which can penetrate into the skin. When directly contacted with soil which is contaminated with the larvae, the infestation can occur. The predilection sites are known as the e...
Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by larvae of nematodes such as hookworms which can penetrate into the skin. When directly contacted with soil which is contaminated with the larvae, the infestation can occur. The predilection sites are known as the exposed area such as feet and forearms, and clinically presented as irregularly linear, elevated burrow. A 4-year-old boy presented with multiple linear migratory elevated erythematous papuloplaques on both extremities, abdomen and perianal area with itching. Skin biopsy specimens from lesion of left thigh showed traces of hookworm in epidermis, perivascular infiltration with lymphocytes and some eosinophils in dermis. The patient traveled Vietnam 2 weeks before visit and played with his father burying his body in the sand of beach which might be contaminated. He was treated with topical ivermectin and oral albendazole and showed considerable improvement. In our literature review, the parasite can be found 1 to 2 cm ahead of the visible track within a burrow located in the upper layers of the epidermis but often not observed in the biopsies. With typical lesions and contact history of sand, he was finally diagnosed with cutaneous larva migrans. Herein we report a case of cutaneous larva migrans with literature review.