Persistent itching caused by hookworms from dogs and cats.

A 73-year-old patient (from Phu Tho province) came to Dang Van Ngu Hospital (Central Institute of Malaria - Parasitology - Entomology, Hanoi) for examination due to persistent itching and burning in the right foot accompanied by a winding red mark under the skin.

BN stated that her family owns two dogs, which are usually let loose in the yard. She herself often goes out to the garden to weed but doesn't wear shoes or sandals.

At the hospital, doctors diagnosed the patient with subcutaneous larval migrans of dog and cat hookworms.

PHOTO: THUY ANH

At the hospital, doctors diagnosed the patient with subcutaneous larval hookworm infection. The parasite is usually transmitted through dog and cat feces and can penetrate the skin when a person comes into direct contact with contaminated soil. The disease commonly occurs in people who habitually walk barefoot on sandy soil, especially in areas where dogs and cats defecate, or where animal feces contain hookworm larvae.

When the larvae enter the human body (penetrating the skin surface on the hands and feet), although they cannot enter the bloodstream (because the larvae lack the enzymes to break down human blood vessel walls), they still travel through the subcutaneous tissues and mucous membranes, "traveling" throughout the body. At the site of larval entry, a red, itchy papule appears, later forming a blister, and then developing into one or more winding, raised lines—a sign of the larval migration path. Due to scratching, infected individuals may develop infection and pus formation. The disease can be prolonged if not detected and treated properly.

To prevent cutaneous larval migration, experts at Dang Van Ngu Hospital advise people, especially in suburban and rural areas where the practice of letting dogs and cats roam freely is still common, to maintain personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, protect the environment from fecal contamination; avoid using fresh manure to fertilize fields and gardens; and always wear shoes, boots, or protective equipment when in contact with soil and sand. For pets, regular deworming is necessary, along with maintaining hygiene in their enclosures; and preventing dogs and cats from defecating indiscriminately, especially in living and gardening areas.

If you experience persistent itching and winding red streaks, you should visit a medical facility specializing in parasitology for an accurate diagnosis.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngua-dai-dang-do-giun-moc-cho-meo-185250730224557516.htm