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. 2019 Feb 10;5(3):158-165.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.01.002. eCollection 2019 Jul.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: A neglected disfiguring disease for women

Asli Bilgic-Temel  1   2 , Dedee F Murrell  1   2 , Soner Uzun  3
Affiliations

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: A neglected disfiguring disease for women

Asli Bilgic-Temel et al. Int J Womens Dermatol. .

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is one of eight neglected tropical diseases currently endemic in 102 countries/areas around the world. In recent years, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been increasingly observed among migrants, travelers, ecotourists, and military personnel. Because of its great capacity to mimic other dermatoses, CL is one of the great imitators and can mislead practitioners, which can result in untreated lesions that cause scars. CL is a disfiguring disease, especially for women, and often leaves scars on visible body sites, causing psychological, social, and economic problems. CS is a challenge, especially in nonendemic regions, such as Australia, because experience with diagnosis and management of the disease is limited.

Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis; disfiguring diseases; neglected diseases; stigma; women's health.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Sand fly (Phlebotomus) content provider (Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Phlebotomus_pappatasi_bloodmeal_continue2.jpg)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Newly appeared cutaneous leishmaniasis papule
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Indurated nodule with central ulcer and brownish crust (tightly adhered to the base) covering the ulcer
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Different clinical manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis, mimicking a wide range of dermatological diseases
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Permanent disfiguring scar on the face can create a lifelong stigma for individuals
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Leishmaniasis scars can cause isolation and exclusion of the individual, resulting in significant alteration in psychological, social, and economic well-being
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
In the case of the papular or nodular cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions, a longitudinal incision should be made with a scalpel (no: 15), followed by a dermal scraping. Subsequently, the scraped dermal material is spread out on a microscope slide, and the smear slide is stained with Giemsa or Wright stain for examination with direct microscopy
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Leishmania amastigotes with eccentric nucleus and paranuclear kinetoplast in a “swarm of bees” formation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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