[Deployment of a dermatologist in Cambodia and Somalia: Personal experience of a medical officer].

BACKGROUND

Throughout history, physicians of the armed forces have gained experience in tropical medicine during deployment in tropical countries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During deployments in Cambodia and Somalia, dermatologists treated participants of the UN missions and also local people to win their confidence. The experience acquired during these missions is reported.

RESULTS

The dermatologist was mainly confronted with the diagnosis and treatment of infectious skin diseases, including genitourinary diseases. Therapy of parasitic infections rarely imported to Europe was a challenge.

CONCLUSION

Training and experience in Tropical Medicine are essential for medical officers deployed on missions as well as for physicians advising travellers.