Cutaneous Larva Migrans: A comprehensive review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) is a skin disorder that develops due to infection by hookworms, causing linear or serpentine skin inflammation. Cutaneous larva migrans is often found in tropical and subtropical environments such as Southeast America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The types of hookworms that can cause CLM are Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. CLM can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is the presence of dogs and cats. These hookworms can infect humans by entering dogs or cats first.  The disease is most commonly spread through animal feces, then spreads to soil and enters the human body through direct skin contact. Infective larvae that enter the skin will cause itching and heat in the area they enter. The itching usually appears at night. CLM is usually found on parts of the body that are in direct contact with soil or sand.