Single dose of albendazole in the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> The syndrome of cutaneous larva migrans, also known as creeping eruption, is a process commonly found in inhabitants of tropical or subtropical regions of the world. It is caused by penetration of the skin by infective larvae of hookworms from various animals.<i>Ancylostoma braziliense</i>, a hookworm of cats and dogs, causes most cases, although other nematodes, including<i>Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala</i>, and<i>Bunostomum phlebotomus</i>are occasional causes.¹ Thiabendazole, 25 mg/kg per day orally, for two consecutive days, is currently considered the drug of choice. Alternatively, topical application of an aqueous 10% suspension of the compound (500 mg per 5 ml), has been advocated as equally effective, and essentially devoid of toxic side effects.² As thiabendazole has become unavailable in many countries, and since other suggested alternatives, such as oral or topical mebendazole, have not lived up to early expectations, any addition to the therapeutic armamentarium