Ground itch refers to the inflammatory reaction resulting from certain
helminth
Parasitic worms, also known as helminths, are a polyphyletic group of large macroparasites; adults can generally be seen with the naked eye. Many are intestinal worms that are soil-transmitted and infect the gastrointestinal tract. Other par ...
ic invasions into the skin.
Signs and symptoms
Effects due to Penetration by larvae
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Maculopapular rash
A maculopapular rash is a type of rash characterized by a flat, red area on the skin that is covered with small confluent bumps. It may only appear red in lighter-skinned people. The term "maculopapular" is a compound: '' macules'' are small, fla ...
* Localized
erythema
Erythema (, ) is redness of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by hyperemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation. Examples of erythema not associated with pathology inc ...
* Intense itching (usually between the toes)
Cause
The responsible agents include:
* Threadworms
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Strongyloides stercoralis
''Strongyloides stercoralis'' is a human pathogenic parasitic roundworm causing the disease strongyloidiasis. Its common name in the US is threadworm. In the UK and Australia, however, the term ''threadworm'' can also refer to nematodes of t ...
* Hookworms
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Ancylostoma duodenale
''Ancylostoma duodenale'' is a species of the roundworm genus '' Ancylostoma''. It is a parasitic nematode worm and commonly known as the Old World hookworm. It lives in the small intestine especially the jejunum of definitive hosts, generally ...
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Necator americanus
''Necator americanus'' is a species of hookworm (a type of helminth) commonly known as the New World hookworm. Like other hookworms, it is a member of the phylum Nematoda. It is an obligatory parasitic nematode that lives in the small intestin ...
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Ancylostoma braziliense
''Ancylostoma braziliense'' is a species of hookworm belonging to the genus ''Ancylostoma''. It is an intestinal parasite of domestic cats and dogs. Severe infection is often fatal to these pets, especially in puppies and kittens. The infection i ...
See also
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Cutaneous larva migrans
Cutaneous larva migrans (abbreviated CLM) is a skin disease in humans, caused by the larvae of various nematode parasites of the hookworm family ( Ancylostomatidae). The parasites live in the intestines of dogs, cats, and wild animals; they should ...
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Hookworm disease
Hookworm infection is an infection by a type of helminths, intestinal parasite known as a hookworm. Initially, itching and a rash may occur at the site of infection. Those only affected by a few worms may show no symptoms. Those infected by many ...
References
Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin
{{Cutaneous-infection-stub}