Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin disease caused by parasitic infection from sand flies, mainly found in South America and the Middle East. It attacks mucous membranes around the nose and mouth, causing open sores and potential disfigurement. Treatment is available, and preventative measures include insect repellent and bed nets.
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin disease caused by a parasitic infection with organisms carried by sand flies. There are several forms of leishmaniasis, found mainly in South America and the Middle East, and the mucocutaneous form appears to be the most common in South America. It is also very ancient; Very ancient Inca artwork depicts people with skin lesions that are characteristic of this condition. Treatment is available and it is important to continue treatment to avoid tissue death and the potential for disfigurement.
A case of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis begins with a sandfly bite. The parasites burrow into the skin, creating a small lesion around the bite site, followed by large ulcerations. These can take months or years to develop. Research into the condition suggests it may have a genetic component, as some populations seem more vulnerable than others, and the immune system plays a role in determining if and when lesions will appear.
This form of leishmaniasis attacks the mucous membranes around the nose and mouth, although the lesions can appear anywhere on the body. Patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis may have difficulty breathing and eating due to open sores and will usually experience discomfort and social embarrassment because the sores will be very visible. As the lesions grow, they can be prone to infection with other organisms. This will cause tissue death around the site, leading to scarring and pitting. Untreated lesions can spread through the skin to cover the entire face.
There are drugs available for the treatment of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. These medications should be taken in a full course while the patient is practicing a skin care regimen to encourage healing of lesions. They should begin to resolve after the parasites have been eradicated, although patients may experience scarring and other marks even after the lesions have closed. As of 2011, researchers were still working on vaccines to prevent leishmaniasis infection.
There are some measures available to reduce the risk of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis infection. Sleeping under bed nets and wearing insect repellent will minimize the chances of a bite. Travelers who notice insect bites should clean the area well and watch for early signs of injury that could indicate leishmaniasis or other infections. When seeking treatment for skin lesions in regions where this disease is not endemic, patients with a history of travel to South America and the Middle East should inform their doctors, otherwise the doctor may not consider leishmaniasis as a potential diagnosis.
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