Successful Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis With Cryotherapy

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, a protozoal infection, is a growing health concern with 1.5 million new cases reported annually resulting in a wide spectrum of disease and clinical presentations. The disease is endemic in 98 countries with increasing prevalence in non-endemic areas. There are various treatment approaches that are often individualized based on host and parasite factors. Current treatment guidelines and data are variable and provide limited direction for specific treatment plans. Additionally, current recommended therapies are not benign, and are expensive and unavailable to most patients, especially in low-resource areas where leishmaniasis is most prevalent. Here, we report the diagnosis and successful treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a 65-year-old male, who recently traveled to Mexico. Initial treatment with topical antifungals and oral antibiotics was ineffective. After successive treatment with local liquid nitrogen, the lesions completely resolved with no adverse effects or recurrence. Given there is limited evidence-based data supporting cryotherapy treatment as a first-line treatment, this report supports the efficacy of cryotherapy as a safe, cost-effective, and accessible treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.