[Autochthonous cutaneous larva migrans in Chile. A case report]

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is the most common tropical dermatitis. It is caused by nematodes hosted by cats and dogs. Humans act as an accidental reservoir. Clinically, it manifests as a slow-growing, elevated linear, erythematous and pruritic plaque, on the sole of the foot. Diagnosis is clinical, based on the morphology of the lesion associated with recent travel to endemic areas.

OBJECTIVE: To present an autochthonous case of CLM in Chile.

CLINICAL CASE: A 3-year-old boy, presented with a linear lesion on his foot, clinically compatible with CLM. He received a single dose of ivermectin and had complete resolution of the lesion. The patient had no history of travel outside of Chile, but had contact with dogs.

CONCLUSION: CLM is classically described as travellers dermatitis. We present this case, because there are no previous reports of CLM acquired in Chile by children.