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Hairy
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Hairworm (synonyms: creeping disease, tinea migrans) is a rare parasitic disease.
Causes and pathogenesis
The disease is caused mainly by horse gadfly larvae (Gastrofilus equi), less often by other Gastrofilus representatives or worm larvae of the Nematoda class. The pathogen penetrates the epidermis through damaged areas of the skin (microtraumas, scratches, etc.). Infection occurs when touching a horse.
Symptoms of Hairworm
At the site of the larval introduction, a blister appears, the contents of which quickly become cloudy and dry into a crust. After a few days, a continuous erythematous-edematous ridge forms, spreading in different directions, according to the movement of the larva. At the same time, peculiarly curved, jagged edematous-red stripes and bends appear. The larva moves quite quickly - from 3 to 30 cm per day. In the area of the actively spreading ridge, the swelling and redness are more pronounced, which roughly indicates the location of the larva. Of the subjective sensations, patients note itching, burning, in children, a violation of the general condition is possible. The disease can last for months, rarely - years. The prognosis is favorable.
Histopathology
In the dermis around the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, an infiltrate consisting of neutrophils and eosinophils is observed; the progress of the larva in the upper layers of the epidermis is determined.
Differential diagnosis should be made with urticaria and scabies.
Treatment
Freezing the affected area with ethyl chloride or carbonic acid “snow”, removing the larva with a needle under a magnifying glass.
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