A 23-year-old college student presented with an itchy rash over his left leg, persisting for nearly one month. The rash showed no signs of healing and was slowly increasing in size. He described a strange sensation — as if something was crawling under the skin every day. The itching was worse at night. Despite taking multiple courses of oral antibiotics and using antibiotic and antifungal creams, there was no improvement. On further history, he had recently gone for a forest trek near Belagavi, Karnataka, and recalled a possible insect bite at the same site about 45 days earlier, which had initially bled.

 

On examination, the rash appeared unusual — snake-like, reddish, and mild watery discharge.

It was a classical — and now rarely seen — case of Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM).

 

 

 

What exactly is Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) ?

 

Certain type of parasitic worms infest humans. They enter the skin and travel under surface to reach a particular organ for completing their lifecycle.

 

Who gets these infestation ?

 

Usually farmers who work on bare feet, people on travel and hike, rarely from fresh water sources. 

 

Youtube link - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JT59h0XjKNg

 

Is the medical condition life threatening ? 

 

No, usually not a life threatening condition. The infestation is itchy and very rarely the worm may migrate from under surface of skin to other deeper organs leading to complications called as Visceral Larva Migrans. Parasite usually cannot complete its lifecycle in the human body.

 

What to do when we have a non healing itch / rash ?

 

Consult your nearest Physician / Dermatologist for the conditions. They will diagnose and help you treat the disease.

 

Who is Dr. Chetan K Ganteppanavar ? What is his experience as Physician ?

 

Dr Chetan K. Ganteppanavar is a leading Physician currently practicing at Kalpana Multispeciality Clinic, Hubballi. With 10+ years of experience both as teaching faculty and private practioner have identified many rare and challenging cases and clinched the diagnosis. Cutaneous Larva Migrans is relatively rare to find in these days. The rash has almost been forgotten by many, as it is left within text books. Easier to find in rural areas, But, very unusal in urban scenarios.