Cutaneous Pili Migrans Developing 2 Days Post Marathon

Another Nice Case of Cutaneous Pili Migrans

Cutaneous pili migrans is a rare skin condition characterized by a fragment of hair embedded in the epidermis or dermis layers of the skin. Differential diagnosis includes cutaneous larva migrans – as well as calluses and warts (when it occurs on the soles of the feet).

Cutaneous pili migrans (CPMs) was first reported by Yaffee in 1957 and, to date, there have been about 40-50 cases reported. Most patients are from Asia. Body locations in CPM involved include the toe, sole, ankle, breast, cheek, neck and abdomen. They can be asymptomatic or painful. We recently reviewed an interesting case of CPM.

Parker et al, 2023

Authors of a new report share the case of a 50 year old man who developed CPM 2 days after running a marathon. As in so many cases of CPM, he was treated with albendazole out of fear that he may have cutaneous larva migrans. Later, the correct diagnosis of CPM was recognized.

REFERENCE

Parker JJ, Waseh S, Hsu S. The hairy sole sign. JAAD Case Rep. 2023 Sep 24;41:102-103. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.09.004. eCollection 2023 Nov