Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Names Return to top
Cutaneous larvae migrans; Ancylostoma brazilienseDefinition Return to top
A creeping eruption is a skin rash caused by the movement of dog or cat hookworm larvae beneath the skin.
Causes Return to top
Creeping eruption is more common in countries with warm climates. The southeastern United States have the highest rates of infection. The main risk factor for this disease is contact with damp, sandy soil contaminated with infected cat and dog feces. It affects more children than adults.
The dog and cat hookworm eggs found in the stool of these animals will hatch, and the resulting larvae infests the soil and vegetation around the area. When you touch this infested soil, the larvae dig into the skin, causing an intense inflammatory response that leads to severe itching.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
This condition is diagnosed based on skin findings noted on physical examination -- rarely, a skin biopsy may be done to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Return to top
Thiabendazole or albendazole (anti-parasitic agents) may be used to treat the infection. Ivermectin may also work.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Creeping eruption may clear on its own over a period of weeks to months. Treatment helps the infection go away faster and is highly successful.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child have skin lesions that are snakelike, itchy, and migratory.
Prevention Return to top
Public sanitation has decreased the incidence of hookworm infestation in the United States. De-worming of cats and dogs can reduce the incidence among these animals. Wearing shoes in endemic areas (areas where hookworm infections are known to occur frequently) will prevent penetration of the larvae through the feet (a common site).
Update Date: 11/27/2006 Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |