Skin Infections in Returned Travelers: an Update

Robert F. Zimmerman, Elizabeth S. Belanger, Christopher D. Pfeiffer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dermatologic manifestations of travel-related illness are particularly vexing due to the broad differential diagnosis and clinicians’ unfamiliarity with uncommonly seen diseases. This paper aims to educate and update the reader on selected infectious diseases in the returned traveler whose disease manifestations are primarily dermatologic. First, the evolving epidemiology of these infections is examined; understanding the geographic distribution of infectious etiologies helps refine and narrow the differential diagnosis. This is followed by a discussion of six important clinical syndromes including cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), cutaneous leishmaniasis, tungiasis, myiasis, antibiotic-resistant skin and soft tissue infection, and selected infections associated with fever and rash (e.g., measles, chikungunya virus infection, dengue fever, rickettsial spotted fevers). Familiarity with these syndromes and a situational awareness of their epidemiology will facilitate a prompt, accurate diagnosis and lead to appropriate treatment and prevention of further disease spread.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalCurrent Infectious Disease Reports
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2015

Keywords

  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Chikungunya
  • Cutaneous larva migrans
  • Cutaneous leishmaniasis
  • Measles
  • Myiasis
  • Skin and soft tissue infection
  • Skin infection
  • Travel medicine
  • Tungiasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases

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