Larva-migrans-cutanea is a disease of the skin. The disease is usually caused by the larvae of a certain type of hookworm. Larva-migrans-cutanea is sometimes called skin mole. In warmer zones, larva migrans cutanea is among those diseases of the skin that occur with the greatest frequency. In some cases, tourists get sick with larva-migrans-cutanea in the corresponding countries.
What is larva-migrans-cutanea?
Larva-migrans-cutanea was first described in 1874, and the larvae responsible were identified in 1928. Basically, it is a skin disease caused by parasites. Larva migrans cutanea is caused by different types of parasites. For example, hookworms, horsefly larvae and the tumbu fly are possible triggers of the disease. In the majority of cases, however, the causative agents of larva migrans cutanea are hookworms. In this case, humans are a false host and not the actual target host of the parasites. Most of the pathogens are native to tropical or warm regions. For example, the parasites live in some areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. The species can also be found in Mediterranean European regions if temperatures are high enough.
Causes
Various types of parasites can be considered as causes of larva migrans cutanea. Usually, these are the larvae of various worms or flies. For example, hookworms such as Ancylostoma braziliense or Uncinaria stenocephala cause larva migrans cutanea when the patient is infected as a false host. However, since humans are not the target host of the parasites, there is no complete development of the larvae in the human organism. No adult worms are formed in the body. In addition to hookworms, some nematodes also represent possible pathogens that cause larva migrans cutanea. Humans become infected with the parasites by walking barefoot over the feces of animals or paths contaminated with corresponding pathogens.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
The symptoms that appear in the context of larva migrans cutanea are varied. In most cases, symptoms are concentrated in the lower limbs, back, and soles of the feet. The first signs of larva migrans cutanea often appear hours to days after infection with the corresponding parasites. During this process, the affected individuals often experience intense itching. The diseased areas of the body and skin usually swell, forming a typical redness. The reddened areas of skin are reminiscent of serpentines, because they correspond to the paths of the larvae. Often these passages of the parasites can be seen under the skin even without a magnifying glass. As a result of the infection, the affected regions usually become severely inflamed. However, the inflammatory processes usually remain localized. In some cases, the passages of the larvae under the skin are not clearly visible due to swelling and redness. The symptoms are particularly frequent on the soles of the feet, and the infection has usually occurred while walking. In addition, the back is often affected by larva migrans cutanea when patients lie naked in the sand. In the majority of cases, larva migrans cutanea heals on its own after a few weeks. In rare cases, healing does not occur for two years.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
A physician should be consulted for typical signs of larva migrans cutanea. Although larva migrans cutanea often heals on its own, a visit to the doctor is still advisable. This is because in some cases less harmless causes are hidden behind the complaints, which are similar to those of larva migrans cutanea. The physician takes a medical history, discusses the patient’s medical history, and asks the patient about past activities and places visited where the relevant parasites may be native. Thus, he obtains relevant details that help him make the diagnosis. Larva migrans cutanea is usually diagnosed on the basis of the obvious signs. However, the diagnosis is complicated by secondary infections. Basically, mainly clinical examination methods are used.The characteristic appearances on the skin, especially the ducts of the larvae, usually indicate larva migrans cutanea relatively clearly. However, it is difficult to detect the larvae responsible.
Complications
Due to larva migrans cutanea, various complaints occur primarily on the skin of the affected person. In most cases, patients suffer from itching and also severely reddened skin in the process. Due to the scratching, the itching is usually only intensified. It is also not uncommon for patients to suffer from reduced self-esteem or inferiority complexes and to feel uncomfortable with the symptoms. Depression or other psychological upsets can also develop, which have a very negative effect on the quality of life. It is not uncommon for swelling to occur in the affected regions. Due to this, various restrictions in the daily life of the affected person may occur. Self-healing of Larva migrans cutanea does not usually occur, so the affected person is dependent on treatment by a doctor. The treatment of this disease takes place with the help of various medications and does not lead to any particular complications. The discomfort on the affected skin areas disappears with it. However, the larvae under the skin must still be removed. The patient’s life expectancy is not affected by larva migrans cutanea.
When should you see a doctor?
If itching, pain, or redness is noted in the back and soles of the feet, there may be underlying larva migrans cutanea. The family doctor’s office should be consulted if the symptoms have not subsided after a few days. If the affected area becomes inflamed, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. The same applies if the ducts of the parasites can be seen externally or there are other warning signs of a worm infestation. At the latest, if a strong malaise, increasing itching or mental upsets are added, the doctor must be informed. Larva migrans cutanea often heals on its own, but the parasitic disease should still be clarified. Persons who can attribute an infestation to a specific cause, such as a vacation in a possibly contaminated region or contact with infested animals, should inform their family physician and carefully observe the affected skin areas. If abnormalities develop or the health condition deteriorates, the worm larvae must be removed by medication or surgery. Sufferers can consult the general practitioner, dermatologist or internist.
Treatment and therapy
In principle, larva migrans cutanea heals on its own in numerous cases and therapy is not necessary. Sometimes, however, self-healing is delayed, so treatment is required. In addition, medications are sometimes used to alleviate the acute symptoms. As part of the external treatment, patients receive an ointment containing thiabendazole. This is applied to the affected skin areas for a few days. If the inflammation is particularly severe, ointments containing glucocorticoids are also used. This usually causes the skin areas to swell. If internal treatment is required, thiabendazole is often administered. Surgical procedures to remove the larvae from under the skin are also possible. However, this carries the risk of scarring, making drug therapy the treatment of choice.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of larva migrans cutanea is favorable. In a large number of patients, spontaneous healing can be documented in the further course. Often, the changes in skin appearance regress completely within a few weeks without the aid of drugs or other medical treatments. The itching decreases and the redness of the skin as well as the swellings subside. In most cases, freedom from symptoms is achieved within a short time. In some cases, however, a delay in the healing process is evident. These patients develop the tendency of a chronic skin disease. If desired, medical care can assist in alleviating symptoms during this course of the disease. Complete recovery is usually achieved within two years, even with complications or unfavorable courses. The itching and scratching of the skin can lead to long-term changes in the appearance of the skin.Even if the disease is cured, there is a possibility that scarring will remain. The scars do not represent a disease value and only very rarely lead to impairments in coping with everyday life. If desired, laser therapy can subsequently be used to treat the visual abnormalities. The overall course of the disease is improved if the affected person has a stable and healthy immune system. At the same time, the use of perfumed creams or other skin-irritating products should be avoided.
Prevention
Larva migrans cutanea can be prevented by refraining from risky behavior in appropriate countries. For example, the use of towels as a support is recommended on beaches that are infested with bacteria.
Aftercare
Usually, no special measures of an aftercare are available to the affected person in case of Larva-migrans-cutanea. Therefore, a physician must be consulted very early in this disease to prevent further worsening of the symptoms. It is not possible for the disease to heal on its own, and further complications can occur if Larva migrans cutanea is not diagnosed in time. Most of the people affected by this disease depend on taking various medications and further on application with special ointments. Patients should always pay attention to a correct application and also to a correct dosage. In case of side effects or other uncertainties, a doctor should always be consulted first. If Larva migrans cutanea is treated by surgery, the patient should always rest and take it easy after the procedure. In this regard, efforts should be refrained from in order not to put unnecessary strain on the body. Since the disease can also lead to a significantly reduced aesthetics of the affected person, intensive and loving conversations with close relatives or with their own family are often also very useful.
What you can do yourself
In many cases, the disease can be prevented by observing and following high standards of hygiene. The affected person should always disinfect his hands before taking food and liquids. It is also important that vacationers, especially on beaches, lie only on a towel and do not lie directly on the sand. Treatment of the disease is usually carried out by the patient himself with the help of creams and ointments. These have to be applied regularly and considerably alleviate the symptoms. The swellings also subside in the process. If the larvae have already penetrated under the skin, a diagnosis and treatment by a doctor is essential. This will prevent further discomfort and complications. In some cases, self-healing may occur, but the risk of further spread of the larvae is relatively high and should therefore not be taken. In most cases, larva migrans cutanea has a positive course, so that no special treatment is necessary in the future. When itching occurs, the affected person should not scratch the skin, as this only intensifies it. Especially in children, parents must prevent scratching.