Abstract
EVIDENCE AND PRACTICE
Assessment and treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the emergency department
Stephen McGhee Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Associate Professor of Clinical, School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables Florida, United States
Neil Angus Senior Lecturer, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland
Alan Finnegan Professor of Mental Health, University of Chester, Chester, England
LaToya Lewis-Pierre Assistant Professor of Clinical, School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables Florida, United States
Johis Ortega Associate Dean, Hemispheric Programs, School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables Florida, United States
Why you should read this article
To understand how the Leishmania parasite is transmitted to humans
To familiarise yourself with the patient groups who are most at risk of contracting cutaneous leishmaniasis
To recognise how to prevent, diagnose and manage cutaneous leishmaniasis
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in more than 70 countries worldwide. It is a non-fatal disease caused by the Leishmania parasite that is transmitted to humans via bites of infected female sandflies. Cutaneous leishmaniasis causes skin lesions on areas of exposed skin, such as the face and limbs, which often produce scarring and atrophy. If untreated, cutaneous leishmaniasis can develop into mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, which is potentially life-threatening. Furthermore, patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis commonly experience psychosocial issues such as anxiety, distress, stigma and rejection. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is spreading outside of its traditional endemic areas because of the effects of environmental changes such as urbanisation and climate change. In the UK, healthcare professionals may encounter the disease in migrants from endemic areas, members of the armed forces, tourists and expatriates. Therefore, emergency nurses need to be able to assess and support patients who present with symptoms suggestive of cutaneous leishmaniasis. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Emergency Nurse |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 4 Feb 2020 |
Keywords
- Clinical
- communicable diseases
- epidemic
- health promotion
- infection
- infection control
- infection prevention
- patients
- prevention
- psychological care
- public health
- skin
- wound care
- wound management