Cutaneous larva migrans: a case report

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous larva migrans may be diagnosed by the typical clinical presentation, consisting on a pruritic serpiginous lesion that advances in a patient with a history of sunbathing, walking barefoot on the beach, or similar activity in a tropical location. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a Mediterranean 32-year-old man, recently returned from a trip to a Brazilian beach, which presented with a 2-week history of pruritic cutaneous lesions that had not resolved after treatment with oral antihistamines and topical fluocinolone ointment. Physical examination showed a serpiginous, erythematous and slightly elevated lesion of 2-mm wide and 7-cm long located on the posterior aspect of his left knee. Patient affirmed that the lesion advanced progressively. Laboratory analyses only revealed an elevated absolute eosinophil count. Albendazole 400 mg/d 3 days was administered to the patient with complete resolution of symptoms within 1 week. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous larva migrans is common among travelers returning from tropical countries. We review epidemiology, clinical, diagnosis and therapeutic options of cutaneous larva migrans.