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Doctor Book  While You're Away: Barefoot Walking
BarefootThere’s nothing like kicking off your shoes and going
for a walk on the beach. Why else did you fly down to the
Caribbean. Just keep in the back of your mind that there are
sometimes microscopic worms, fleas, men (and women) -of-war
waiting to puncture your skin.  Cutaneous larva migrans, or
"Creeping Eruption", is an interesting infection caused by dog
and cat hookworms. These larva which might have been left on the
beach by the local pet can penetrate your unbroken skin. This
usually occurs on your foot, though it can happen anywhere,
depending upon how you choose to sunbathe. It will cause an
itchy, blistered, serpiginous rash, which seems to be advancing
a few centimeters a day. It does not creep anywhere else, such
as your brain, liver or wife!  It can usually be recognized by a
doctor who has seen it before. It is treatable with a drug
called Albendazole. Try to avoid doctors who ar