Author's details
- Hakim A Abubakre
- BA (Hons) International Business Management, Msc Digital Marketing.
Reviewer's details
- Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
- MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
- Resident doctor in family medicine in Northen Sweden.
- Date Published: 2025-09-02
- Date Updated: 2026-01-02
Creeping Eruption (Sandworm Disease)
Key Messages
- Creeping eruption is a skin problem caused by hookworms from dog and cat feces.
- It causes a red, snake-like, itchy rash that grows daily.
- People get infected by contact with contaminated soil or sand, especially when barefoot.
- Treatment includes specific medicines and avoiding scratching to prevent infection.
- Prevention is simple: wear shoes, avoid dirty soil, and keep pets dewormed.
Introduction
What is it?
- A skin problem caused by tiny worms (hookworms) from dogs and cat poop.
- Worms live in sand and soil.
They enter the skin and cause a red, snake-like rash.
Discussion
How Do People Get It?
- Walking barefoot on dirty soil or sand.
- Sitting or lying on the ground.
- Children playing barefoot in sand.
- Farmers, gardeners, or anyone who works with soil.
Signs and Symptoms
- Red, winding rash like a snake.
- It’s very itchy, especially at night.
- Blisters or swelling.
- Rash grows 1–2 cm every day.
- Often on feet, legs, buttocks, or back.
What to Do
- See a health worker for medicine:
- Albendazole
- Ivermectin
- Thiabendazole cream
- Use calamine lotion or antihistamines for itching.
- Do not scratch—it can cause infection.
Prevention
- Always wear shoes or sandals outdoors.
- Do not sit or lie on bare soil/sand.
- Use a towel or cloth as a barrier when sitting.
- Keep pets dewormed and control stray animals.
- Extra care in rainy season (soil stays moist).
When to See a Health Worker
- Severe itching that disturbs sleep.
- Rash spreads or new areas appear.
- Rash with pus, pain, or fever.
Conclusion
Creeping eruptions are common but preventable.
It is not dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable.
Wearing shoes, keeping pets healthy, and avoiding dirty soil will protect you and your family.
References
- Hochedez P, Caumes E. Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. J Travel Med. 2007;14(5):326–333.
- Heukelbach J, Feldmeier H. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. Lancet Infect Dis. 2008;8(5):302–309.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cutaneous Larva Migrans. CDC Parasitic Diseases, 2023.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Neglected tropical skin diseases: recognizing, managing and preventing. WHO, 2023.
