Ihosyövästä

Ihosyövästä, known scientifically as cutaneous leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. It is endemic in various parts of the world, including the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South and Central America. The disease is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania.

There are several clinical forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis, but the most common presents as skin sores. These sores typically appear on exposed areas of the body, such as the face, arms, and legs, a few weeks to months after the sandfly bite. The lesions can vary in appearance, ranging from small, painless papules to larger, ulcerated nodules that may be covered with a crust. While often self-healing over months or years, some forms can lead to significant scarring and disfigurement.

Diagnosis of ihosyövästä is usually made based on clinical presentation and can be confirmed through microscopic examination or culture of a biopsy sample from a skin lesion. Treatment depends on the severity and type of lesions, as well as the geographical region. Options include topical medications, cryotherapy, and systemic drugs like pentavalent antimony compounds or miltefosine. Prevention strategies focus on avoiding sandfly bites through the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and insecticide-treated bed nets, as well as controlling sandfly populations in endemic areas.