Isolated cutaneous leishmaniasis over face – A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease caused by an intracellular protozoa belong to the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the bite of a sandfly. It has diverse clinical presentation and may create a public health problem in endemic countries. CL is often confused with lepromatous leprosy, pimples and fungal dermatitis. This case is an isolated cutaneous variety in facial region which was mistaken and treated initially for fungal dermatitis and then for leprosy by local physicians. Smears examined from the skin lesion confirmed Leishmania amastigotes. The isolated localized CL may create confusion and its many differential diagnoses made delaying in the diagnosis. Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Fungal dermatitis, Leprosy, Diagnostic dilemma