Topical thiabendazole is considered the treatment of choice for early, localised lesions. Anthelmintics such as tiabendazole, albendazole, mebendazole and ivermectin are used.However, effective treatment is available to shorten the course of the disease. In most cases, lesions will resolve without treatment within 4–8 weeks. The natural duration of the disease varies considerably depending on the species of larvae involved. Humans are an accidental and 'dead-end' host so the hookworm larvae eventually die. What treatment is available for cutaneous larva migrans?Ĭutaneous larva migrans is self-limiting. Sites most commonly affected by cutaneous larva migrans are the feet, spaces between the toes, hands, knees and buttocks.
#Hookworms in humans images series
Tracks advance a few millimetres to a few centimetres daily and if many larvae are involved a disorganised series of loops and tortuous tracks may form. These are slightly raised, flesh-coloured or pink and cause intense itching. The larvae can then either lie dormant for weeks or months or immediately begin creeping activity that creates 2–3 mm-wide, snakelike tracks stretching 3–4 cm from the penetration site. There may be a tingling or prickling sensation within 30 minutes of the larvae penetrating. What are the signs and symptoms of cutaneous larva migrans?Ī non-specific eruption occurs at the site of penetration of the hookworm larvae. However, in a human host, the larvae can rarely penetrate the basement membrane to invade the dermis so the disease usually remains confined to the outer layers of the skin. Once in the intestine, they mature sexually to create more eggs that are then excreted to start the cycle again.
#Hookworms in humans images skin
In an animal host, the larvae are able to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) and infect the blood and lymphatic system. Between a few days and a few months after the initial infection, the larvae migrate beneath the skin. On contact with human skin, the larvae can penetrate through hair follicles, cracks or even intact skin to infect the human host. Parasite eggs are passed in the faeces of infested animals to warm, moist, sandy soil, where the larvae hatch. Most larva migrans seen in New Zealand arises during overseas holidays, but it has rarely been reported in those who have never been out of the country. Groups at risk include those with occupations or hobbies that bring them into contact with warm, moist, sandy soil. It is most commonly found in tropical or subtropical geographic locations. People of all ages, sex and race can be affected by cutaneous larva migrans if they have been exposed to hookworm larvae. Who is at risk of cutaneous larva migrans? Bunostomum phlebotomum: cattle hookworm.Uncinaria stenocephala: dog hookworm found in Europe.Ancylostoma caninum: dog hookworm found in Australia.Ancylostoma braziliense: hookworm of wild and domestic dogs and cats found in central and southern US, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.Many types of hookworm can cause cutaneous larva migrans.