About this topic
Leishmaniasis is a disease that most often causes sores on the skin. Sometimes, the disease spreads to other parts of the body. It can spread to your mucus membranes or to your internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. There are 3 forms of this disease. They include: ‚
- Skin sores and ulcers. This is the cutaneous form.
- Skin sores may spread to the nose and mouth. Then, they affect the mucus membranes. This is the mucosal form.
- Liver, spleen, and lymph nodes are involved. This is the most severe form and can cause death if it is not treated right away. It is the visceral form.
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What are the causes?
This illness is caused by the Leishmania germs. They are passed on to humans from sandfly bites. The sandfly becomes infected when it bites an animal with the infection. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to get this illness if you have a weak immune system. Children are more at risk. So are people who work with birds. Your risk is higher if you are a soldier, Peace Corp volunteer, or missionary. Anyone who travels in areas where this illness is common is at a higher risk. Working outside, especially at night, raises your risk. This is when sandflies are very active. ‚
What are the main signs?
Cutaneous and mucosal infection: ‚
- Large skin sores that will turn into skin ulcers
- Sores may spread to nose, mouth, tongue, and gums
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing, runny or stuffy nose
Visceral: ‚
- Feeling weak and tired
- Recurring fever and night sweats
- Loose stools
- Belly pain and throwing up
- Scaly and dark skin
- Thinning of hair
- Weight loss
- Sudden cough, loose stools, fever, and throwing up in children
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor may feel many parts of your body for lumps and any swollen organs. The doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Blood test
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Spleen biopsy
- Liver biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Skin biopsy
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment for this condition depends on the type or form of the disease. It may include drugs, lifestyle changes, and surgery. You may need plastic surgery if the sores change how you look. It can help the skin that has been destroyed by the sores. Some people who are very sick may need to have the spleen taken out. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- The doctor may send you to a skin specialist called a dermatologist if you have very bad scars.
- The doctor may also send you to an infectious disease specialist for more care.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Help with pain and swelling
What problems could happen?
- Anemia
- Bleeding
- Immune system may not work the right way
- Condition may come back
- Scars
- Spleen needs to be taken out
- Other infections
- Malnutrition
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Protect yourself:
- Apply or spray repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep flies from going in.
- Sleep under a net.
- Avoid being outdoors in the early morning and at dusk. This is when sandflies are most active.
- Destroy breeding areas by spraying with insecticide.
Where can I learn more?
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/leishmaniasis.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/leishmaniasis/gen_info/faqs.html ‚
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/leishmaniasis/Pages/Default.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚