American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

A lesion of New World leishmaniasis, evident on the palm of the hand, a rare and unusual location, is described. Routine investigations for bacteria and mycobacteria were misleading. Specific culture for Leishmania led to the correct diagnosis. Successful treatment was achieved with a pentavalent antimonial (sodium stibogluconate). The authors suggest various patient management precautions for patients with active lesions.