Cutaneous larva migrans
Cutaneous larva migrans, also known as creeping eruption, creeping verminous dermatitis or serpiginous eruption, is caused by larvae of many nematodes, viz. Ancylostoma braziliense, A. duodenale, A. caninum, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Strongyloides stercoralis, Gnathostoma spinigerum, Necator americans and Uncinaria stenocephala. The disease is prevalent worldwide including India and may affect man, cat and dog. The larvae of these nematodes develop in soil from where they may penetrate skin of the host. The lesions occur mainly on hands and legs with papule or vesicles on skin and eosiniphilia. The larvae can be demonstrated in the skin biopsy. The preventive measures include control of nematodes in dog and cat, restriction of dogs in parks and play grounds and use of protective clothing by occupational groups while working in contaminated soil.