Tropical Dermatology

Abstract

This chapter introduces many diseases of worldwide importance but not generally seen in the United States or western Europe. Traditionally, these diseases have been studied as “tropical medicine,” although perhaps “medicine of underdeveloped lands” would be a more appropriate term. Most of these diseases are influenced far more by poor personal hygiene, malnutrition, easy access to insects, and inadequate public health measures than by warm tropical breezes. Many good reasons exist for briefly reviewing these diseases:

• 1) They are of enormous worldwide importance, as they cause suffering for millions of people and influence the economic development of vast areas.

• 2) With changing travel patterns, many Westerners import these diseases after vacations, producing great diagnostic difficulties. Similarly, immigrants may bring their own diseases as well as their old customs to their new home land.

• 3) As Table 8-1 demonstrates, common Western dermatoses often have exotic mimics.

• 4) The diseases are fun to study; their complex life cycles, exotic names, and peculiar treatments can provide a welcome challenge.

• 5) The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for many of these diseases are constantly changing. We have omitted most of this material, but local public health sources and references can provide further information.