Extensive cutaneous larva migrans with folliculitis mimicking multimetameric herpes zoster presentation in an adult traveler returning from Thailand

Abstract

Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a frequent cutaneous disease among travelers returning from the tropics. It can be misdiagnosed or treated incorrectly. We present a 42-year-old French patient who contracted the disease during a holiday in Thailand and who experienced an extensive CLM syndrome with a less frequent abdominal localization and a pseudo-multimetameric homolateral topography. The condition was late diagnosed and secondarily efficiently cured by a unique administration of ivermectin. Simple anamnestic information--often revealing beach activities--and clinical aspect of the creeping eruption allow to prevent diagnosis delay and to avoid aggressive or inadequate intervention.