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Living with Cutaneous larva migrans

A skin infection in which parasite larvae move under the skin, leaving red, winding, very itchy tracks.

Understanding Cutaneous larva migrans

Cutaneous larva migrans is a rare parasitic skin disease in which larvae of certain worms (nematodes) move under the skin, leaving red, raised tracks.

The tracks are usually a few millimeters wide and vary in length. They are often on the feet, though any area is possible. People usually have severe, hard-to-control itching, which can lead to trouble concentrating, loss of sleep, and mood changes.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a full symptom list for this condition. Its summary mentions these:

  • Red, raised, winding skin tracks
  • Severe itching
  • Loss of sleep
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Mood changes

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What treatment will kill the larvae and stop the itching?
How can I avoid contact with larvae in the future?
How can I ease the itching and help me sleep?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

It is caused by the movement of larvae of various nematode species through the skin.

Infectious

Also known as: clm - cutaneous larva migrans; creeping eruption; duckhunter's itch; ground itch; hookworm cutaneous vesicle; larva migrans of skin

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Cutaneous larva migransGARD ID 1629 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Cutaneous larva migrans.

Explore the Cutaneous larva migrans blog

Explore research for Cutaneous larva migrans

Explore actively recruiting Cutaneous larva migrans studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Cutaneous larva migrans with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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