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Parasitic infection causing skin disease - cutaneous larva migrans

Introduction, etiology

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Cutaneous larva migrans results when the larvae of the hookworms Ancylostoma braziliense and A. caninum, which are excreted by infected dogs and cats, penetrate intact skin. Other nematode species have also been implicated. The condition is particularly prevalent in Central America, some countries of South America, the Caribbean and the South-eastern United States, and throughout tropical Africa. The larvae remain localized causing only a transient focal dermatitis of varying intensity.

Recommended treatments
albendazole
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chewable tablet, 400 mg

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Adults:
400 mg orally in a single dose
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tiabendazole (lotion, 10 %), is also mentioned in Reference 1 as an alternative
Adults and children: Lotion should be applied liberally over the tract of the larvae twice or three times daily for 7-10 days

tiabendazole may also be given orally, 25 mg/kg as a single dose

To provide symptomatic relief
calamine lotion
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Lotion

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Adults and children:
A thin layer of lotion should be applied to affected areas three or four times daily

References
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WHO Model Prescribing Information: Drugs used in Skin Diseases 1997, iv + 126 pages [E,F,S*] ISBN 92 4 140106 0, Sw.fr.35.-/US $31.50. In developing countries: Sw.fr.24.50. Order no. 1150450.
  Sales Information: http://www.who.int/bookorders/index.htm
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Basic Food Safety for Health Workers, M. Adams and Y. Motarjemi, WHO/SDE/PHE/FOS/99.1, See appendix 1, Causative agents of foodborne illness
   http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/capacity/healthworkers/en/
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WHO Model Prescribing Information. Drugs used in parasitic diseases second edition, 1995. 146 pages [E, F, S] ISBN 92 4 140104 4 Sw.fr. 35.-/US $31.50. In developing countries Sw.fr.24.50.
  Sales Information: http://bookorders.who.int:8080/newaccess/anglais/home1.jsp
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Intestinal nematodes; WHO link page
   http://www.who.int/health-topics/intestinal.htm
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Report of the WHO Informal Consultation on the use of praziquantel during pregnancy/lactation and albendazole/mebendazole in children under 24 months, Geneva, 8-9 April, 2002, WHO/CDS/CPE/PVC/2002.4
   http://www.who.int/wormcontrol/documents/en/pvc_20024full.pdf
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Benzimidazoles: use in children, Essential Medicines, WHO Drug Information, Vol 17, No. 1, 2003
   http://www.who.int/druginformation/vol17num1_2003/vol17-1.pdf

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