Cutaneous Larva Migrans in Central & South America

A Traveler’s Guide by Hey Doctor

What Is Cutaneous Larva Migrans?

Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM), sometimes called creeping eruption, is a parasitic skin infection caused by larvae of hookworms that normally infect dogs and cats.

The larvae can live in contaminated sand or soil. When bare skin comes into contact with contaminated ground, the larvae can penetrate the skin and begin to move through its upper layers.

Where Can Travelers Get It?

CLM occurs mainly in *tropical and subtropical regions.*

In Central and South America, travelers can encounter the infection particularly in *warm, humid environments and sandy coastal areas*, including parts of:

• 🇧🇷 Brazil

• 🇵🇪 Peru

• 🇨🇴 Colombia

• 🇪🇨 Ecuador

• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

• 🇵🇦 Panama

• 🇲🇽 Mexico

• 🇬🇹 Guatemala

• 🇭🇳 Honduras

• 🇳🇮 Nicaragua

• 🇻🇪 Venezuela

• 🇬🇾 Guyana

• Caribbean destinations

Risk is particularly associated with *beaches, tropical areas and places where dogs or cats have access to sand or soil*. The risk is not uniform throughout an entire country or destination.

*What Does It Look Like?*

The most characteristic symptom is an extremely itchy, red, raised or winding line on the skin.

The lesion may appear to:

• Move or extend over time

• Become swollen

• Cause intense itching

• Develop small blisters

The feet, legs and buttocks are common locations because they frequently come into contact with contaminated sand or soil.

Symptoms can begin within days after exposure.

How Can You Prevent It?

The easiest way to reduce your risk is to *avoid direct skin contact with potentially contaminated sand or soil.*

🏖️On the Beach

• Wear sandals or shoes.

• Avoid walking barefoot in areas where stray dogs or cats are present.

• Avoid lying directly on potentially contaminated sand.

• Use a towel, mat or beach chair rather than placing bare skin directly on the sand.

🐕 Around Animals

Avoid contact with animal feces and wash your hands after contact with dogs or cats.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have CLM?

If you notice a very itchy, winding or moving rash after spending time on a tropical beach or in contaminated soil, seek medical advice.

A healthcare professional can usually diagnose CLM based on the appearance of the skin lesion and the travel/exposure history.

Treatment

Cutaneous Larva Migrans is often self-limiting, but treatment can shorten the duration of the infection and relieve symptoms.

Common medical treatments include oral antiparasitic medications such as ivermectin or albendazole, depending on the individual case and medical advice.

*Do not attempt to cut, burn, freeze or remove the parasite from the skin yourself.*

Scratching can damage the skin and increase the risk of a secondary bacterial infection.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Contact a healthcare professional if:

• The rash continues to spread or move.

• Itching is severe.

• The skin becomes painful, swollen or infected.

• You develop fever or feel generally unwell.

• You are unsure whether the rash is CLM or another skin condition.

If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent medical attention.

Hey Doctor - Medical Assistance for Travelers

A skin problem while traveling can be uncomfortable and confusing, especially when you're unfamiliar with the local healthcare system.

Hey Doctor helps travelers across Latin America connect with medical professionals and appropriate healthcare services.

We can assist with:

👨‍⚕️ Medical consultations

🏥 Clinics and hospitals

💊 Medication and pharmacy guidance

🌎 Language assistance

🩺 Medical guidance for travelers

✈️ Travel insurance guidance

Developed a strange, itchy rash after visiting a beach?

*Don't ignore it. Contact Hey Doctor for medical guidance.*

**Hey Doctor - Medical Assistance for Travelers in Latin America**