How is hookworm dermatitis diagnosed clinically?

  The diagnosis of hooked larvae dermatitis can be judged by the patient’s medical history and clinical symptoms. In endemic areas, the diagnosis can be confirmed by bare hand and foot contact with agricultural soil and a history of typical larvae rash, while the clinical symptoms of patients with larvae dermatitis also provide the basis for the initial diagnosis.  Clinical diagnosis: Skin damage: When the larvae invade the skin, there are local itchy rash and protruding papules or small herpes. Scratching can cause secondary infection and local lymph nodes can be enlarged. The site of hooked larvae dermatitis is mostly found in the thin skin of toes and fingers in contact with soil, and also on the back of hands and feet.  Respiratory symptoms: When the hook larvae migrate to the lungs and penetrate the microvessels into the alveoli, they can cause local hemorrhage and inflammatory lesions. Patients may develop cough, blood in sputum, and often accompanied by chills, fever and other systemic symptoms. In severe cases, persistent dry cough and asthma may be observed. If a large number of hookworms are infected at one time, there is a possibility of fulminant hookworm asthma.  Visceral damage: When the larvae invade the blood circulation and migrate in the body, it can cause peristaltic migratory disease and eosinophilia.