Diagnostic approach to tropical skin infections

Abstract 

An approach to the diagnosis of tropical skin infections is described with emphasis on the important aspects of the history and clinical examination. It is important to take a travel history, in order to ask about activities undertaken whilst abroad and the evolution of skin lesions. Diagnostic algorithms of the main dermatological presentations of ulcers, weeping spots, patches, plaques, papules and nodules are presented. The key differential diagnoses of tropical skin infections are highlighted, including those conditions common in temperate regions that may be more common in the tropical environment. Selected tropical skin infections are described in detail and a brief description of investigations that may be appropriate.

Keywords: cutaneous larva migrans, cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, myiasis, onchocerciasis, tropical skin infection, tropical ulcers, tungiasis