Current treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis: a review.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis. It is a skin infection caused by a single-celled parasite that is transmitted by sand fly bites. There are about 20 species of Leishmania that may cause cutaneous leishmaniasis. Some Leishmania species are closely linked to humans and are therefore found in cities (Leishmania tropica), whereas some are more traditionally associated with animal species and are therefore considered zoonoses (Leishmania major). The evidence for optimal treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis is patchy. Although the cutaneous form of the disease is often self-limiting, it does result in significant scarring and can spread to more invasive, mucocutaneous disease. Therefore, treatment may be considered to prevent these complications. Drugs for systemic and topical treatment are presented and discussed with regard to their application, use, and adverse effects.