Ecthyma mimicking cutaneous leishmaniasis

• Main Author: Moteb K. Alotaibi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PC Technology Center 2015-03-01
• Series: ScienceRise
• Subjects: Ecthyma; cutaneous leishmaniasis; infection; leishmania
• Online Access: http://journals.uran.ua/sciencerise/article/view/39356
• ISSN: 2313-6286; 2313-8416

<p>Chronic non-healing ulcerated skin lesion can be a diagnostic dilemma for the dermatologist in an area endemic with cutaneous leishmaniasis. The differential diagnosis may include a large list of cutaneous diseases ranging from infection to advanced skin cancers. Ecthyma is cutaneous infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with dermal and subcutaneous invasion. Ecthyma is a differential diagnosis for cutaneous Leishmaniasis presenting as an ulcerated lesion in endemic areas. Being in endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis, general physicians and some dermatologist may miss other important and common differential diagnosis, resulting in delay of proper management and increase risk of complications. Our <strong>aim </strong>in this work is to draw the attentions toward better management while dealing with ulcerated cutaneous lesions. <strong>Method:</strong> Case reporting. <strong>Result:</strong> This is a case of a 60 year-old Sudanese male patient who presented with a chronic nonhealing ulcerated lesions at his right forearm for 4 months. The patient was misdiagnosed as a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis and he was treated with anti-leishmanial therapy with no improvement. He was finally diagnosed to have staphylococcal ecthyma that successfully responded to oral antibiotic. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Dealing with chronic ulcerated skin lesion requires a carful and detailed history taking and a good knowledge of the common and endemic diseases in the patient’s area supported by proper laboratory studies<em></em></p>