Cutaneous manifestations of intestinal helminthic infections

Several intestinal helminths may involve the skin. In cutaneous larva migrans and enterobiasis this is often the only organ involved, whereas hookworm and trichinosis are characterized by multisystem disease. The clinical spectrum of strongyloidiasis may range from a low-grade chronic dermatitis to a fulminant, often fatal, hyperinfection syndrome in the immunocompromised host. In the absence of recent breakthroughs in diagnostic testing, a meticulous history and knowledge of the life cycles and the often characteristic skin manifestations of these parasites remain essential to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.