CREEPING ERUPTION - A REVIEW OF CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF 60 CASES PRESENTING TO A TROPICAL DISEASE UNIT

Background and Design.-Cutaneous larva migrans is an infection with a larval nematode, most frequently by dog or cat hookworms. It has a characteristic presentation that is easily recognizable. We reviewed the charts of 60 patients with cutaneous larva migrans who presented to the Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto (Ontario) Hospital, during a 6-year period. Results.-Ninety-five percent of the patients were Canadians who had recently returned from the tropics, or subtropics, notably the Caribbean. Almost all patients had a linear or serpiginous, very pruritic larval track. Topical thiabendazole was efficacious in 52 (98%) of 53 patients treated. Albendazole cured six (88%) of seven patients treated. Because of adverse effects, oral thiabendazole and liquid nitrogen were not utilized. Conclusion.-We conclude that topical thiabendazole and oral albendazole are very effective and safe modalities for the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans.