A Case Report of Cutaneous Larva Migrans Treated With Naakupoochi Kudineer, a Traditional Siddha Medicine

TL;DR

A 71-year-old man with a skin infection caused by hookworm larvae was successfully treated with a traditional Siddha herbal medicine called Naakupoochi Kudineer.

Contribution

This case report demonstrates the efficacy of a traditional Siddha herbal formulation in treating Cutaneous Larva Migrans.

Findings

The patient's symptoms and skin tract resolved after seven days of treatment with Naakupoochi Kudineer.

The treatment was safe and effective without causing adverse effects.

The clinical presentation was consistent with Cutaneous Larva Migrans diagnosis.

Abstract

Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) is a helminthic infection that is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by zoonotic hookworms, predominantly the Ancylostoma species, which infrequently infect humans. Hookworms primarily inhabit the small intestine of canines and felines, where adult worms release eggs that are excreted in the host’s feces into the environment. Human infections occur through direct contact with contaminated soil, with humans serving as dead-end hosts for parasites. Clinically, CLM presents as erythematous, serpiginous, and intensely pruritic cutaneous eruptions caused by penetration and migration of larvae. Although the infection is generally confined to the skin, rare instances of larval migration to the lungs can result in more severe complications. A 71-year-old male presented with a progressive, curvilinear, erythematous track in the left upper quadrant region of the abdomen, accompanied by intense pruritus, a burning sensation, and a localized nodular lesion. Erythema was observed approximately 3-4 cm from the site of larval penetration, with the serpiginous tract extending approximately 10 cm in length. The diagnosis of cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) was established based on the characteristic clinical presentation. The Siddha herbal formulation Naakupoochi Kudineer was administered 60 ml twice after meals for seven days, resulting in gradually reducing symptoms and resolving the tract over the following weeks. This study highlights the safety and effectiveness of a Siddha herbal formulation in the treatment of CLM.

Figures