Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a skin infection caused by worm larvae. This infection is characterized by reddish bumps on the skin that twist like a snake.
The type of worm that causes cutaneous larva migrans is hookworm. These worms live and lay eggs in the intestines of animals, such as cats, dogs, sheep, and horses. Worm eggs will come out with animal waste, then hatch and develop into larvae in the soil or sand.
Worm larvae can enter the human body when the skin comes into direct contact with soil or sand contaminated with hookworm larvae. For example, when walking barefoot or lying on the ground or sand without wearing a mat.
Symptoms and Signs of Cutaneous Larva Migrans
CLM often causes symptoms of an itching or stabbing sensation for 30 minutes when the worm larvae enter the skin. Larvae can stay for several months, or spread slowly and form reddish bumps.
The bumps and rashes caused by the spread of hookworms have the characteristics of a snake-like coil, with a width of 2-3 mm and extending 3-4 cm from the initial entry point of the larvae. Some areas of the body that are most often infected with this worm are the hands, feet, buttocks, and genital area.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if you have previously done activities that put your skin in direct contact with soil or sand. Early treatment will prevent secondary skin infections from occurring.
Since hookworm larvae often live in pets, take them to the vet regularly to prevent transmission of this worm infection.
Causes and Risk Factors for Cutaneous Larva Migrants
CLM is caused by hookworm infection Ancylostoma, which is a type of hookworm that lives in the intestines of animals, such as cats, dogs, sheep, and horses. These worms lay eggs in the intestines of these animals and come out with feces. The eggs then hatch into larvae that live in damp and sandy soil.
Two species of worms Ancylostoma which often causes cutaneous larva migrans is Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma caninum.
The larvae of this worm can enter the human body when a person sits, lies down, or walks barefoot on contaminated soil or sand. Therefore, CLM is more at risk for people who are in frequent contact with soil or sand, such as:
- Children playing on the ground or sand.
- Pest exterminator, especially in rice fields.
- Farmers, gardeners and construction workers.
Diagnosis of Cutaneous Larva Migrants
Symptoms and complaints caused by CLM can be similar to other skin disorders or disorders, so to determine if someone has this condition, the doctor will ask questions about the complaint, and whether the patient has a job or activity that often comes in contact with sand or soil without the use of protection or protection. footwear.
The doctor will then perform a physical examination by looking at the rash on the patient's skin. To determine the cause, the doctor may perform additional examinations, such as: optical coherence tomography (OCT) using light waves. This test can be used to identify the type of parasite on the skin.
Treatment of Cutaneous Larva Migrants
CLM goes away on its own in 1 to 2 months. However, your doctor will prescribe an anti-worm medication, such as albendazole or ivermectin, to treat the infection. Doctors can also prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroid ointments to relieve itching.
If the condition of the patient with cutaneous larva migrans is severe enough, cryotherapy or freeze therapy using liquid nitrogen can be done to stop the parasite growth gradually.
Complications Cutaneous Larva Migrans
Although it can heal on its own, a number of complications can occur as a result of untreated CLM, including:
- Secondary skin infection.
- Loffler's disease, namely the accumulation of infiltrates and eosinophils in the lungs due to infection with worm larvae Ancylostoma in large quantities.
Prevention Cutaneous Larva Migrans
To reduce the risk of being infected with CLM, you can take the following steps:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
- Always use footwear when walking.
- Always use a mat when sunbathing on the sand
- Regularly check your pet to the vet.