Cutaneous leishmaniasis - what does this mean
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by a parasitic protozoan that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected sandfly. the parasite enters the skin and causes lesions, which can range from small and painless to large and disfiguring. in some cases, the infection can spread to other organs, leading to more serious health problems.
What happens during the disease - cutaneous leishmaniasis
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by a protozoan of the genus leishmania. it is transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly that deposits the parasite on the skin. the parasite then multiplies in the skin, causing an ulcerated lesion which can be painful, itchy, and disfiguring. in some cases, the parasites can spread to other organs, causing more serious symptoms.
Clinical Pattern
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin infection caused by a parasite that is spread through the bite of certain types of sandflies. Symptoms include skin ulcers, bumps, and lesions that may be itchy, painful, or both. The lesions can be found anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, arms, and legs. Treatment includes topical medications, oral medications, or even injections.
Treatment and Medical Assistance
Main goal of the Treatment: To reduce the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
- Provide patient education on the disease and its transmission.
- Prescribe medications such as antimonials, pentamidine, and amphotericin B.
- Administer intralesional injections of meglumine antimoniate.
- Administer intralesional injections of pentavalent antimonials.
- Administer oral medications such as miltefosine and allopurinol.
- Administer topical medications such as paromomycin and isoconazole.
- Perform cryotherapy to reduce the size of lesions.
- Perform laser therapy to reduce the size of lesions.
- Perform surgical excision of lesions.
- Perform topical treatments such as photodynamic therapy.
- Perform systemic treatments such as interferon-alpha.
21 Days of Hospitalization Required
Average Time for Outpatient Care Not Established
Cutaneous leishmaniasis - Prevention
Cutaneous leishmaniasis can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sandflies, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.