Cryotherapy in acute cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Fourteen patients with acute cutaneous leishmaniasis entered a study testing the efficacy of liquid nitrogen. All lesions were cured clinically and protozoologically within 3-8 weeks, without noticeable scarring. The patients did not experience adverse side effects, and there was no relapse 4 months after cessation of therapy. The results of this study indicate that cryotherapy is a safe and effective method for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis.