[Current therapeutic possibilities in cutaneous larva migrans].

The recommendations for the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans are not uniform, and the recommended methods are neither always available nor always effective. If only the skin is affected, primarily topical therapy is indicated. Topical thiabendazole combines efficacy with missing systemic side-effects. In Germany the pure substance has to be used or Mintezol tablets must be purchased from abroad. Topical mebendazole and freezing with liquid nitrogen are less effective and involve side-effects. If topical treatment fails, systemic therapy is required. The recognized treatment with oral thiabendazole (2 days) is associated with numerous side-effects. There are now two new, safer drugs that should be preferred: albendazole (400 mg/day for 3 days), available in Germany as Eskazole, or ivermectin (single dose of 200 micrograms/kg). The latter can be ordered from the manufacturer under the trade name of Mectizan.