| Tropical ulcer |
|---|
| Classification and external resources |
| ICD-10 | L98.4 (ILDS L98.440) |
|---|
Tropical ulcer (also known as
Aden ulcer, Jungle rot, Malabar ulcer, and
Tropical phagedena)
[1] is a
lesion occurring in
cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is caused by a variety of
microorganisms, including
mycobacteria. It is common in
tropical climates.
[2]
Ulcers occur on exposed parts of the body, primarily on anterolateral aspect of the lower limbs and may erode
muscles and
tendons, and sometimes, the
bones.
[3] These lesions may frequently develop on preexisting abrasions or sores sometimes beginning from a mere scratch.
[1]
Clinical features [edit]
This image depicted the left foot of a patient, which displayed this acute tropical ulcer upon his admission to toborra Goroka Hospital, in Goroka, New Guinea.
The vast majority of the tropical ulcers occur below the
knee, usually around the
ankle. They may also occur on arms. They are often initiated by minor trauma, and subjects with poor nutrition are at higher risk. Once developed, the ulcer may become chronic and stable, but also it can run a destructive course with deep tissue invasion,
osteitis, and risk of
amputation. Unlike
Buruli ulcer, tropical ulcers are very painful.
[4] Lesions begin with inflammatory
papules that progress into
vesicles and rupture with the formation of an
ulcer.
[1] Chronic ulcers involve larger area and may eventually develop into
squamous epithelioma after 10 years or more
[5]
Microbiology [edit]
There is now considerable evidence to suggest that this disease is an infection.
F. ulcerans has recently been isolated from lesions and is unique to tropical ulcers.
[5] Early lesions may be colonized or infected by,
Bacillus fusiformis (Vincent's organism),
anaerobes and
spirochaetes. Later, tropical ulcer may become infected with a variety of organisms, notably,
staphylococci and/or
streptococci.
[4] The condition has been shown to be transmissible by inoculation of material from affected patients.
[5]
Epidemiology [edit]
Tropical ulcer has been described as a disease of the 'poor and hungry'; it may be that slowly improving socioeconomic conditions and nutrition account for its decline
[citation needed]. Urbanization of populations could be another factor, as tropical ulcer is usually a rural problem. More widespread use of shoes and socks also provides protection from initiating trauma
[citation needed]. Despite this, susceptible individuals still develop tropical ulcers. Sometimes outbreaks can occur; one was recorded in
Tanzania in sugarcane workers cutting the crops while barefoot. Tropical ulcers can also occur to the visitors of tropics.
[4] The disease is most common in native laborers and in schoolchildren of the tropics and subtropics during the rainy season and is caused in many instances by the bites of insects, poor hygiene, and
pyogenic infections.
[1] Males are more commonly infected than females.
[5]
Geographic distribution [edit]
Tropical ulcer is seen throughout the tropics and subtropics. In some of these countries, such as northern Papua New Guinea, it is the most common skin disease. It is also a frequent problem amongst the homeless in tropical countries, as both the exposure to the elements and their unhygienic lifestyle make them a high-risk population. Open skin from intravenous drug use often exacerbates the problem.
[citation needed]
Treatment [edit]
- Antibiotics: In early stages, penicillin or metronidazole are used in combination with topical antiseptic.[5]
- Improved nutrition and vitamins.[5]
- Non-adherent dressings and elevation of limbs.[5]
- Large infected ulcers may require debridement under anesthesia.
- Skin grafting may be helpful in advanced cases to ensure the lesion does not progress to chronic stage.[5]
- In extreme cases, amputation is necessary.
Prevention [edit]
Adequate
footwear is important to prevent trauma. General good health and nutrition also reduce ulcer risk. Adequate and prompt cleansing and treatment of ankle and leg skin breaks is also important.
[citation needed] Improving hygiene and nutrition may help to prevent tropical ulcers.
[1]
Complications [edit]
See also
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