Is it possible for bugs or worms to burrow into my childrens feet if they walk barefoot outside?

Question

Is it possible for bugs or worms to burrow into my childrens feet if they walk barefoot outside?

Answer 1

The short answer is "Yes".  The condition is called "Cutaneous larval migrans".

The life cycle of the parasites begins when eggs are passed from animal f***s (Dogs are the most common host in the US) into warm, moist, sandy soil, where the larvae hatch.

They initially feed on soil bacteria. By using their proteases, larvae penetrate through follicles, fissures, or intact skin of the new host.

Usually, they begin migration within a few days.

(Note that intact skin is not a barrier to these type of worms (Roundworms, actually).

In their natural animal hosts, the larvae are able to penetrate into the dermis and are transported via the lymphatic and venous systems to the lungs. They break through into the alveoli and migrate to the trachea, where they are swallowed. In the intestine they mature sexually, and the cycle begins again as their eggs are excreted.

Humans are accidental hosts, and the larvae are believed to lack the collagenase enzymes required to penetrate the basement membrane to invade the dermis. Therefore, the disease remains limited to the skin when humans are infected.

The condition is benign and self-limited but can cause a disturbing pruritus (i.e, very, very itchy).

Answer 2

Not unless you live in tropical areas with very poor hygeine. And even then the risk is slim unless they have wounds.

People who say otherwise are idiots, illinformed, or have an agenda.

Answer 3

The only time that happens is if somehow a blade of grass with eggs attached to it went between the toes and the eggs came off.  Then there's the possibility the hatching larvae could eat their way through the soft skin of that area.  But usually after a certain incubation period they leave on their own and fly away.

Answer 4

They'd have to be standing on top of the bug/worm for an awfully long time... I've never seen a child hold still that long.

Seriously, do you worry about your cat or dog going outside barefoot?  You should be more concerned about critters winding up in your kids' hair.  That's where things like ticks like to hide out.

Answer 5

Only if they are super-bugs. Your children would have to stand in one place for a very very long time for that to happen.  

Answer 6

NO, even if they have a cut or scratch they would have to stay still for a very long time.  Children don't stay still.

Answer 7

Yes, depending on where you live and the local environmental conditions. Hookworms are most common in warm, moist climates, (not necessarily tropical) and there are several species which have various hosts, including dogs, cats and humans. They can enter the body through the intact skin of your feet if you have been walking where dogs or cats or especially humans have defecated.

Hookworms are a type of roundworm (nematodes), which are different from your common or garden earthworms (annelids), which are harmless to humans and good for your garden.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hookworm

Answer 8

only if there is an open wound on their feet