Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Itching In Hands, Feet, Red Blotches On Arms, Ankles. Tried Piriton, Daktacort. Hookworm Infestation?
Hi, for the last week I have had uncontrollable itch in my hands and feet . Over the last few days, angry blotches have appeared on my arms and ankles. Have tried piriton , daktacort and daktarin medications , but and are giving me some relief. Been to A and E where the doctor thinks it might be hookworm infestation -what do you advise?
Mon, 7 Jan 2013
General & Family Physician, Dr. Ravi Kant's Response
Hi! you might be suffering from hookworm infestation as your symptoms did not declined after taking antifungal treatment. Hookworm causes cutaneous larva migrans when the organism travel between the stratum corneum and stratum basal layer of our skin which is manifested as intense itching and blisters or serpenginous lesion over arms and ankle.secondary bacterial infection may cause worsening of the lesion.
To confirm the diagnosis you should go for stool examination for the egg of hook worm, PCR assay of stool for hookworm DNA in feces.
Hookworm also causes iron deficiency anemia so you must go for your Hemoglobin estimation.
To remove hookworm infestation you can take albendazole , mebendazole or ivermectin orally. For the relief of cutaneous symptoms you can use topical antihelminthic thiabendazole or local freezing agents like liquid nitrogen or ethyl chloride .To treat iron deficiency ferrous sulphate tablets can be taken.
For further prevention you should deworm your pets and should wash your hand properly before each meal.Do not walk bare foot on infected areas.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Itching In Hands, Feet, Red Blotches On Arms, Ankles. Tried Piriton, Daktacort. Hookworm Infestation?
Hi! you might be suffering from hookworm infestation as your symptoms did not declined after taking antifungal treatment. Hookworm causes cutaneous larva migrans when the organism travel between the stratum corneum and stratum basal layer of our skin which is manifested as intense itching and blisters or serpenginous lesion over arms and ankle.secondary bacterial infection may cause worsening of the lesion. To confirm the diagnosis you should go for stool examination for the egg of hook worm, PCR assay of stool for hookworm DNA in feces. Hookworm also causes iron deficiency anemia so you must go for your Hemoglobin estimation. To remove hookworm infestation you can take albendazole , mebendazole or ivermectin orally. For the relief of cutaneous symptoms you can use topical antihelminthic thiabendazole or local freezing agents like liquid nitrogen or ethyl chloride .To treat iron deficiency ferrous sulphate tablets can be taken. For further prevention you should deworm your pets and should wash your hand properly before each meal.Do not walk bare foot on infected areas. Take care.