Cutaneous Larva Migrans: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Cutaneous lava migrans treatment is required when a person has a parasitic skin infection caused by hookworm larvae that normally inhabits the intestines of dogs and cats. The eggs of the hookworm are found in the feces of dogs and cats and start forming into larvae when it comes in contact with warm and moist land or soil. The condition develops when an individual’s bare skin comes in contact with the ground for instance, when a person walks barefoot. Cutaneous Larva Migrans is the most common in tropical areas however, it occurs worldwide as well. The areas which are usually affected by this condition are feet, legs, back and buttocks. This infections creeps under the skin’s surface and causes red and itchy tracks or lines to appear.

If you see symptoms of this condition, you should visit your doctor immediately and get yourself checked. The doctor can ask you for your history of any recent contact with sand or soil and examine the area which is affected by the condition. She may also consider the location of the condition. The larvae may eventually die on its own, however, you should visit a doctor to get the right kind of medication.

The condition of Cutaneous larva Migrans usually goes away on its in a matter of days, however the treatment helps in reducing the redness and discomfort along with reducing the duration of the condition. Your doctor may suggest anthelmintics like mebendazole, thiabendazole and ivermectin among others to reduce the itching within a considerable period of 24-48 hours. In am matter of a week most of the tracts and lesions resolve. Physical treatments like liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or even the carbon dioxide laser can be used if the medications mentioned above are not available. These physical treatments prove to be helpful in killing the larvae which causes the condition.

Appropriate antibiotics can also be used to treat the secondary bacterial infection. However, thiabendazole has been proved to be effective in these cases. A topical application of this solution or ointment at least three times a day for 15 days has shown remarkable improvement in the condition. Patients noticed that the condition recovered faster. The itchiness and redness disappeared sooner as well. On the other hand, albendazole or ivermectin oral treatments have also been helpful in many cases.

Any individual who shows symptoms of redness and itchiness along with scales and rashes on the face should consider getting the treatment if they have come in contact with moist soil or land or have recently travelled to a tropical region.

Any individual who does not show any symptoms of the condition are not eligible and should not get the treatment for the condition.

One of the most common medications, thiabendazole, which is used for treating this condition, can have some allergic reactions as well. Patients should immediately stop taking the medication if and when they see reactions like swelling of the lips, tongue, and face, shortness of breath and closing of the throat. Other side effects like seizures, skin rash, yellowing of the skin can also be seen rarely.

Post treatment guidelines for cutaneous larva migrans are that the patients are strictly advised not to walk barefoot or have a sunbath as the body should not come in contact with moist soil or land. Using the medication for the prescribed amount of time is advised as well.

The condition disappears on its own within a few week or months. However, taking medications helps in reducing the duration of the condition. Typically 4-8 weeks are enough for the condition to disappear.

The results of the treatment are permanent as it may either disappear on its own with a period of 4-8 weeks or with the help of medications. However, one needs to be careful about not coming in contact with moist soil.

There are some popular home remedies which can be used to cure the condition as well. Products like tea tree oil and baking soda and water’s mixture help soothe the irritated area. Using goldenseal for reducing the itchy feeling has also proved to be helpful in many cases.