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Cutaneous larva migrans: case report with current recommendations for treatment
Jonathan C O'Quinn1, Robert Dushin
1Community Health Partners Regional Medical Center, Lorain, OH, USA.
Summary
Cutaneous larva migrans, a common tropical skin infection, presents as itchy, winding foot lesions. Early diagnosis and oral thiabendazole treatment are effective for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Tropical Medicine
- Podiatry
Background:
- Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a prevalent parasitic skin infection acquired in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Podiatric physicians frequently encounter CLM due to its commonality in travelers.
- Awareness of CLM's typical presentation and patient history is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male presented with a pruritic, erythematous, serpiginous lesion on his left foot.
- The patient had recently vacationed in Florida for several weeks.
- The lesion's morphology and location were characteristic of CLM.
Findings:
- The patient's clinical presentation was consistent with cutaneous larva migrans.
- Successful treatment was achieved using oral thiabendazole.
- The dosage administered was 500 mg after meals, four times daily for 5 days.
Implications:
- Podiatric physicians should consider CLM in patients with relevant travel history presenting with characteristic skin lesions.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antiparasitic treatment, such as thiabendazole, lead to favorable outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing imported skin diseases in non-endemic areas.