Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with cryosurgery.

BACKGROUND

The management of cutaneous leishmaniasis with topical methods, if effective, can spare patients from long and costly inpatient treatments.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated with cryosurgery using liquid nitrogen as the cryogen. Two cycles of 10-30 s freezing time were used and repeated at 3-week intervals.

RESULTS

All patients responded well to therapy with excellent cosmetic results and no relapse in any case. Side-effects were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutaneous leishmaniasis can be successfully treated with a simple protocol of cryosurgery with minor side-effects.