Larva Migrans: Management for the First Contact Physician and Review of the Current Literature

Cutaneous larva migrans is a skin infection caused by the subcutaneous migration of larvae of different species of nematodes. Also called Creeping eruption or serpiginous eruption, it is an endemic skin parasitosis of tropical and subtropical areas with hot and humid climate. In our environment it is unusual, predominating in individuals who have come to these areas, although there are rare cases of acquisition in European countries. It was first described by Lee in 1874 and since then its prevalence has been increasing, affecting millions of people each year. It is an endemic process in tropical and subtropical areas. Due to growing immigration and booming travel to these geographical areas, its prevalence in developed countries has increased in recent decades. For all these reasons, we believe it appropriate to disclose the existence of this parasitic dermatosis among dermatologists and primary care physicians.