Parasitic Diseases With Cutaneous Manifestations

Abstract

Parasitic diseases result in a significant global health burden. While often thought to be isolated to returning travelers, parasitic diseases can also be acquired locally in the United States. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of the cutaneous manifestations of parasitic diseases to allow for prompt recognition, effective management, and subsequent mitigation of complications. This commentary also reviews pharmacologic treatment options for several common diseases.

Advanced Noninvasive Diagnostic Methods of Parasitic Skin Diseases

“…They are a group of neglected parasitic diseases [28]. The most common are caused by ectoparasites such as scabies, pediculosis (head lice, body lice and pubic lice), demodicosis [17,23]. The scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var.…”

“…hominis) is responsible for 1.5 million disability-adjusted life-years worldwide, as a result of pruritus, insomnia, school and work absences, and psychological distress. Misdiagnosis leads of Head lice infestations lead to 12-24 million missed school days and $4-$8 million of lost parental earnings annually in the USA [17]. Thus, prompt and acurate diagnostics is extremely important.…”

“…Mites of the Demodicidae family are tiny organisms (usually 0,2-0,4 mm) [14]. A diagnosis of demodicosis or DI is considered when clinical signs/symptoms appear and when more than 5 mites/cm2 are present or when they penetrate into the dermis [1,2,9,17].…”

“…Human lice infestations result from Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice), Pediculus humanus humanus (body lice), and Phthirus pubis (pubic lice). Misdiagnosis of pediculosis leads to 12-24 million missed school days and $4-$8 million of lost parental earnings annually [17]. Taking everything into consideration, noninvasive real-time imaging technique that has been widely used for the diagnosis of PSD were inspected.…”

What Is New in Infectious Diseases?

“…Scabies is frequently misdiagnosed, but it should be considered in elderly individuals, homeless persons, and impoverished populations. In their commentary, Mark Ash and Chuck Phillips give a very organized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of common parasitic infections [31]. Clearly, a heightened awareness of the problem is key to making a timely diagnosis so that appropriate therapy can begin early.…”