​Dermatology - Leishmaniasis

​Dermatology - Leishmaniasis

Sandflies are the primary vector of infection with one of the numerous species of the obligatory intracellular protozoa Leishmania, which causes leishmaniasis.

One to eight weeks after the attack, primary lesions appear at the site of the sandfly bite, usually on the exposed site. There could be lymphadenopathy or lymphangitis.

Skin-colored leishmaniasis At the bite site, a little erythematous papule appears. It develops into an ulcerated nodule that grows to be 3–12 cm in size and has a raised border. Verrucous growths may develop in nonulcerating nodules. Isolated lesions on the head or hand typically heal with a depressed scar and do not ulcerate. Chiclero ulcers are ear sores that can last for years and ruin cartilage. Leprosy-like diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis is another possibility.
This starts off as a solitary nodule and later spreads locally, frequently via satellite lesion extension, before metastasizing. As the lesions spread throughout the face and trunk, diffuse non-clearing nodules start to form. The sequelae of cutaneous leishmaniasis, known as mucosal leishmaniasis, manifest several years after the initial lesions heal. It is possible for cutaneous and mucosal lesions to occur simultaneously or decades apart.
Epistaxis and coryzal symptoms are caused by edema and inflammatory changes. Gradually, the tonsillar, floor of mouth, and nasal septum are destroyed, leading to noticeable deformity.
Pharyngeal blockage, malnourishment, or an additional bacterial infection can all result in death. One year after treatment, macular, papular, nodular, and hypopigmented macroles/plaques on the face, trunk, and limbs are symptoms of post-Kala-Azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL).

By biopsy or culture, the diagnosis is verified. Acute cutaneous leishmaniasis can be differentiated from other conditions such as insect bite reaction, impetigo, ecthyma, furuncle, infection with M. marinum, furuncular myiasis, and chancre.


Meglumine antimoniate and sodium stilbo-gluconate, two substances containing antimony, are administered systemically. Pentamidine, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, miltefosine, paramomycin, and other medications are also used to treat leishmaniasis.