Cutaneous larva migrans

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic skin disease caused by nematode larvae, most commonly Ancylostoma braziliense and A. caninum, which infect humans through direct contact with soil or sand contaminated by animal faeces. Endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, CLM presents as intensely pruritic, serpiginous, erythematous tracks caused by larval migration within the epidermis. Although it is self-limiting, the disease can have a major impact on quality of life, particularly in resource-poor settings. Climate change, international travel and urbanization have expanded the geographic range of CLM, with cases increasingly reported in temperate regions. Clinical variants include follicular and bullous forms, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, and effective treatment includes oral anthelmintic drugs such as albendazole or ivermectin. Preventive measures, including good sanitation, pet deworming and the use of footwear, are crucial in endemic areas. An awareness among clinicians of the expanding distribution and varied presentations of CLM is essential for timely diagnosis and management, particularly in nonendemic regions.