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To the Editor.— The syndrome of cutaneous larva migrans, also known as creeping eruption, is a process commonly found in inhabitants of tropical or subtropical regions of the world. It is caused by penetration of the skin by infective larvae of hookworms from various animals. Ancylostoma braziliense , a hookworm of cats and dogs, causes most cases, although other nematodes, including Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala , and Bunostomum phlebotomus are occasional causes. 1 Thiabendazole, 25 mg/kg per day orally, for two consecutive days, is currently considered the drug of choice. Alternatively, topical application of an aqueous 10% suspension of the compound (500 mg per 5 ml), has been advocated as equally effective, and essentially devoid of toxic side effects. 2 As thiabendazole has become unavailable in many countries, and since other suggested alternatives, such as oral or topical mebendazole, have not lived up to early expectations, any addition to the therapeutic armamentarium

Twenty three patients with Cutaneous Larva Migrans syndrome were prospectively treated with 400 mg/day of Albendazole for 3 consecutive days. Clinical response, compliance and tolerance was excellent. Patients were asymptomatic within the first 72 hours of treatment and recurrences did not occurred. Preliminary results with three additional patients suggest that a single oral 400 mg dose may be effective as well. Veintitrés pacientes con el sindrome de Larva Cutanea Migratoria, fueron tratados prospectivamente con 400 mg/dia VO de albendazol por tres dias consecutivos. La respuesta clínica, aceptación y tolerancia del tratamiento fué excelente. Todos los pacientes se volvieron asintomáticos durante las primeras 72 horas de tratamiento y no se observaron recurrencias de lesiones. Los resultados preliminares obtenidos entres pacientes adicionales, sugieren que la dosis única de 400 mg puede ser igualmente efectiva.