German Dermatological Society Warns of Travel-Related Skin Parasites

The Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG) has highlighted three common travel dermatoses that can appear after vacations in Southern Europe, the tropics or subtropics. The conditions are larva migrans caused by hookworm larvae, myiasis caused by fly larvae, and cutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies. They rank among the most frequent travel‑related health problems in Germany after diarrhoea and fever.

Typical symptoms include itchy rashes, serpiginous tracks under the skin and nodular lesions. Diagnosis relies on clinical appearance and history of exposure, and treatment often involves anti‑parasitic drugs such as ivermectin. DDG board member Esther von Stebut warned, "Even if some of these infections resolve on their own, they are not harmless and should not be dismissed."

The society advises travelers to avoid beaches contaminated with animal faeces, to wear sturdy footwear instead of walking barefoot, and to limit direct contact with dry sand. These preventive steps aim to reduce the risk of acquiring the parasites that can persist for weeks before the larvae die off.