cutaneous larva migrans

(noun)

A skin disease in humans, caused by the larvae of various nematode parasites of the hookworm family (Ancylostomatidae).

Related Terms

Examples of cutaneous larva migrans in the following topics:

  • Parasitic Skin Diseases

    • A cutaneous condition is any medical condition that affects the integumentary system — the organ system that comprises the entire surface of the body and includes skin, hair, nails, and related muscle and glands.
    • Cutaneous larva migrans (abbreviated CLM) is a skin disease in humans caused by the larvae of various nematode parasites of the hookworm family (Ancylostomatidae).
    • "sandworms," as the larvae like to live in sandy soil.
    • The medical term CLM literally means "wandering larvae in the skin. " These parasites are found in dog and cat feces and although they are able to infect the deeper tissues of these animals (through to the lungs and then the intestinal tract), in humans they are only able to penetrate the outer layers of the skin and thus create the typical wormlike burrows visible underneath the skin .