Cutaneous larva migrans imported from a tropical trip - Case report and literature review

Introduction. Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic disease caused by hookworms characteristic of tropical and subtropical regions. In Poland, new cases appear every year in patients who have travelled to tropical areas. Most of the cases are initially under-diagnosed, which results in a delay in starting proper treatment. Case report. A 49-year-old woman presented to the Outpatient Dermatology Clinic with a pruritic and fibrous cutaneous lesion on the plantar region of her left foot. She had returned from a tourist trip to Honduras one week before the skin lesion erupted. Results. The diagnosis of CLM due to Ancylostoma sp. infestation was confirmed. Locally applied cryotherapy was ineffective. The oral treatment of albendazole resulted in complete resolution of the symptoms without recurrence after a 6-month follow up period. Conclusions. CLM should be considered in travellers to tropical countries. Oral anti-parasitic agents seem to be more effective than topical treatment for dermatosis.