Sandworm

B76.0

• Description
• Medicine treatment

DESCRIPTION

Creeping eruption (cutaneous larva migrans) caused by Ancylostoma braziliense, a hookworm of dog or cat. Larvae of ova in soil penetrate skin commonly through the feet, legs, buttocks or back and cause a winding thread-like trail of inflammation with itching, scratching dermatitis and bacterial infection.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Albendazole, oral, daily for 3 days.
  • Children < 2 years of age: 200 mg
  • Children ≥ 2 years of age and adults: 400 mg

Children

• Chlorphenamine, oral, 0.1 mg/kg/dose 6–8 hourly. See paediatric dosing tool.

Adults

• Chlorphenamine, oral, 4 mg, 6–8 hourly.

Note: Chlorphenamine is sedating and in mild cases may be used only at night.

CAUTION
Do not give an antihistamine to children < 2 years of age.