Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), also known as creeping eruption, is a skin infection caused by the larvae of animal hookworms. The infection occurs when the larvae penetrate the skin, usually through bare feet or other exposed skin, and begin to migrate under the skin. This causes an itchy, winding, red rash that can be quite uncomfortable.
The larvae that cause CLM are typically found in the feces of infected animals, such as dogs and cats. When the feces are deposited in soil or sand, the larvae can survive for several weeks, waiting for a suitable host to come into contact with them.
In Ayurveda, CLM is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body’s doshas, or energies. Specifically, it is thought to be related to an excess of the pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and inflammation. The management of CLM in Ayurveda typically involves a combination of internal and external treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and balancing the doshas.
Internal treatments may include herbal remedies such as neem, guduchi, and triphala, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties. External treatments may include applying a paste made from herbs such as turmeric and neem to the affected area, as well as using oils such as coconut oil or sesame oil to soothe the skin.
