The Invisible Danger on Grand Anse Beach: What Is Cutaneous Larva Migrans?

You spent a perfect afternoon on Grand Anse Beach—swimming, sunbathing, walking barefoot in the soft sand. A few days later, you notice a strange red line on your foot. It's incredibly itchy, and it seems to be moving. You might think it's a vein problem or an allergic reaction, but that squiggly red track is actually a parasite: Cutaneous Larva Migrans, commonly called "sandworms" or "creeping eruption."

Understanding Cutaneous Larva Migrans: The Beach Parasite

Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) is a skin infection caused by hookworm larvae—but not the hookworms that normally infect humans. These are animal hookworms, primarily from dogs and cats.

Here's the life cycle: Infected dogs or cats defecate on the beach. Their feces contain hookworm eggs. In the warm, moist sand, these eggs develop into larvae within one to two days. The larvae wait in the sand for a host. When your bare skin contacts the sand, the larvae penetrate and begin burrowing.

The key point: these are animal parasites that can't complete their life cycle in humans. They burrow into your skin but can't go deeper. They're trapped in the outer layers of your skin, wandering aimlessly until they eventually die. But while they're alive and moving, they cause intense itching and that characteristic creeping rash.

Where in Grenada Is Cutaneous Larva Migrans Found?

Any beach where dogs or cats roam can harbor Cutaneous Larva Migrans larvae. In Grenada, this includes sections of Grand Anse Beach, particularly areas frequented by stray dogs, less-maintained beaches around the island, fishing villages and coastal areas where dogs are common, and beach areas near residential zones with outdoor pets.

The parasite is more common in shaded areas of sand where the moisture and temperature are ideal for larvae survival. Direct hot sun and dry sand are less hospitable, though not safe.

Well-maintained resort beach sections that are raked and treated are generally lower risk, but not zero risk—animals can wander through at any time.

Recognizing the Signs of Cutaneous Larva Migrans

The appearance of Cutaneous Larva Migrans is distinctive once you know what to look for.

Initial penetration may cause a small red bump where the larvae entered—similar to a bug bite. This usually goes unnoticed.

Within one to five days, the characteristic rash appears. You'll see a red, raised, winding or snake-like track under the skin. The track is typically 2-3mm wide, and it progresses a few millimeters to a few centimeters per day. The pattern is random and winding—it looks like something is crawling just under the surface (because something is).

Location is typically on feet, particularly between toes and on the soles. It can also appear on buttocks (from sitting in sand), hands and arms (from lying in sand), or any skin that contacted contaminated sand.

Intense itching is the hallmark symptom. This is often worse at night and can significantly disrupt sleep. The urge to scratch is overwhelming.

Treatment for Cutaneous Larva Migrans

The good news: Cutaneous Larva Migrans will eventually resolve on its own because the larvae can't survive indefinitely in human skin. The bad news: "eventually" can mean weeks of miserable itching.

Medical treatment is simple and effective. Ivermectin (oral medication) is often prescribed as a single dose or short course. Albendazole (oral medication) is an alternative taken for several days. Thiabendazole cream (topical) can be applied directly to the tracks.

With treatment, symptoms typically resolve within a week. Without treatment, the infection may last two to eight weeks as the larvae eventually die.

In Grenada, see a doctor or visit a clinic if you develop the characteristic rash after beach exposure. The medications are widely available, and there's no reason to suffer through weeks of itching when treatment works quickly.

While waiting for treatment or if the infection is mild, you can manage symptoms by taking antihistamines to reduce itching, applying cool compresses, using calamine lotion, and avoiding scratching (which can lead to bacterial infection).

Preventing Cutaneous Larva Migrans on Grenada's Beaches

Prevention is straightforward: reduce skin contact with potentially contaminated sand.

Wear sandals or water shoes on the beach, especially in areas where animals are present. The larvae can only penetrate through direct skin contact.

Use a beach chair, towel, or mat rather than lying directly on the sand. Create a barrier between your skin and any larvae waiting in the sand.

Choose beach locations wisely when possible. Well-maintained beach sections, areas without visible animal presence, and beaches with regular cleaning have lower risk.

Rinse off thoroughly after beach visits. While this won't remove larvae that have already penetrated, it removes any that are still on the skin surface.

Avoid beaches after heavy rains. Moisture activates larvae and may increase their concentration near the surface.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans vs. Other Skin Conditions

Cutaneous Larva Migrans has a distinctive appearance, but it can be confused with other conditions.

Contact dermatitis (from plants or chemicals) tends to be more widespread, less linear, and corresponds to a clear exposure. It doesn't have moving tracks.

Fungal infections (like ringworm) create circular or ring-shaped rashes, not winding tracks. They spread differently and respond to antifungal treatment.

Insect bites are typically distinct bumps, not continuous tracks. They don't move over time.

Other parasitic infections may require professional diagnosis, but the winding, progressing track is quite characteristic of CLM.

If you're unsure what you're looking at, see a healthcare provider. A simple examination is usually enough to diagnose CLM.

The Bigger Picture: Beach Safety in Grenada

Cutaneous Larva Migrans shouldn't stop you from enjoying Grenada's beautiful beaches—millions of people visit our beaches every year without problems. But awareness helps you make informed choices.

If you're at a resort beach with active management, risks are lower. If you're at a less-maintained beach with visible stray animals, take precautions. If you're traveling with children who love playing in the sand, consider water shoes and beach mats.

And if you develop that telltale itchy, winding rash after beach exposure, now you know exactly what it is—and that effective treatment is readily available.

Have you or someone you know dealt with sandworms in Grenada? Share your experience in the comments to help others recognize and respond to this common tropical nuisance.