CASE REPORT   

Esperienze Dermatologiche 2021 June;23(2):47-9

DOI: 10.23736/S1128-9155.21.00512-4

Copyright © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

An impressive case of bullous cutaneous larva migrans

Beatrice TONIN ✉, Alberto M. BERTOLDI, Bruno GUALTIERI, Massimo DONINI

Unit of Dermatology, SS. Giovanni e Paolo Hospital, Venice, Italy

Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM) is a self-limited cutaneous eruption caused by the penetration and migration of the larvae of nematodes into the epidermis. The incidence of HrCML has been continuously increasing in the last years: it can be considered one of the most frequent dermatitis in patients returning from travel to tropical and sub-tropical destinations, including South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, Caribbean and the southeastern regions of the USA. In addition, autochthonous cases of HrCLM have been observed in Germany, UK, France and Italy. Human infection is generally acquired through accidental contact with sand or soil contaminated with feces of infected dogs or cats. HrCLM is characterized by slightly elevated serpiginous tracks that correspond to the movement of the larvae in the epidermis, located especially on the feet. The larvae do not reach the bloodstream, but parasitize exclusively the skin, causing intense pruritus. In addition to the classic presentation, some atypical forms of HrCLM have been reported. We describe an impressive case of bullous HrCLM in a young woman returning from a trip to Zanzibar, managed with a peculiar treatment.

KEY WORDS: Larva migrans; Pruritus; Blister