Abstract:
Over 1800 clinically suspected cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis have been referred to
the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo, Sri Lanka for investigation
since 2001. This study analyses some sociological aspects of 120 patients with laboratory
confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis. This information is important to design and implement
control programmes. The disease was predominant among males. In females lesions
occurred mainly on the face, while in men they were seen mainly on the limbs. Immediate
medical advice was sought by 13% of the population; the others sought treatment when
the skin lesion grew or failed to heal. Females delayed seeking treatment as they probably
misinterpreted the lesion as a pimple. Only 39% were referred to a Consultant Dermatologist
by a medical officer during the first visit. The mean duration of time from the detection
of the lesion to referral was approximately eight months. Psychologically, the presence of
the lesion affected less than 20% of individuals. Costs related to treatment were relatively
low in Sri Lanka. Late presentation and diagnostic delay was related to lack of awareness.
Educational programmes should be carried out, aimed both at health care workers and the
community to ensure early diagnosis and treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
