Tropical ulcer in Zambia.

The clinical features of 86 tropical ulcers in 64 subjects seen in hospitals and rural clinics in Zambia are described. Pre-ulcerative lesions were identified. 85% of the patients came from subsistence farming families. Few wore shoes but more than a quarter wore clothes below the knee at some time. No association with dental caries or gingivitis was observed. Ulcers were seen in some clinically well-nourished individuals of appropriate weight for height and occurred in areas where animal protein was plentiful. Family studies showed that concurrent cases within households were uncommon.