Strongyloides stercoralis infection presenting as generalized prurigo nodularis and lichen simplex chronicus

Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic nematode that develops an autoinfe ctive life cycle within the gastrointestinal tract of its human host. The i nfection produces peripheral eosinophilia and cutaneous eruptions, as well as gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms. Detection of S stercoralis is difficult through stool examination, but may be demonstrated by ELISA for I gG antibody against the parasite. We describe a patient with chronic S ster coralis infection initially presenting with generalized prurigo nodularis a nd lichen simplex chronicus.