Symptoms
Symptoms may appear immediately after a sand fly bite or months later. It mainly appears as a blister on the skin of the exposed area of the body. The blister turns into a lump with a sore in the middle in a few weeks. One or more of these lesions may be seen.
Diagnosis of the Disease
Often the disease can only be diagnosed by an examination by a dermatologist. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis.
Treatment
The disease may resolves on its own without any treatment.
A disfiguring scar may occur. It may take months for this condition to occur. Each patient is treated to minimize these scars and prevent the spread of the disease.
Treatment options:
- Stibogluconate injection therapy – requires long-term weekly administration
- Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy
- Heat Therapy
- In addition, the dermatologist will prescribe other vaccines or medications as needed
Prevention
- Control of breeding and distribution of sand fly
- Maintaining household cleanliness
- Avoiding fly bites
- Application of insect repellants/ sprays
- Use of insect repellent woven nets
- Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when sand flies are most active, and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover the body during those times
About Us
Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists
Since its inception, the Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists (SLCD) continued to function as a research, development and training ground for practitioners in the field. Leishmaniasis.lk is part of a programme conducted by the SLCD to raise the public awareness and share knowledge about Leishmaniasis disease in Sri Lanka.