What is it and what causes it?
CLM is a thread-like, itchy rash caused by a species of hookworm parasites called Ancylostoma. The worm normally inhabits the intestines of dogs and cats, and lays eggs in the animals’ feces. These eggs then develop into larvae when left in warm moist soil or sand. Thus, the worm can enter any part of the body when bare skin touches ground containing the larvae, such as walking barefoot on the beach, in sandpits, or on wet soil.
**Note: there does NOT have to be an open wound for the parasite to use as an entrypoint. The worms can enter your body through your hair follicles even when your skin is intact!
The condition occurs frequently in the southwestern United States, and tropical areas such as the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. As a preventative measure, it is best to always wear proper footwear at the beach and while hiking (i.e, closed toed shoes) if you know that you will be traveling to these regions.
Symptoms
The long winding rash is a result of the worm moving underneath the skin, and is extremely
itchy. It will continue to “creep” or spread over the body part (most commonly the foot) at a rate
of 1-2 cm per day. Since people tend to scratch the area and damage the skin, CLM can also
lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
Treatment
The worms cannot permanently survive in a human host, and will die naturally. That’s why the infection will usually heal by itself after a few weeks or months. However, proper treatment can relieve itching and reduce the risk of bacterial infection that can result from scratching.
Your physician can prescribe:
● Thiabendazole cream
● Albendazole or Ivermectin tablets given by mouth