IntroductionLeishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by the flagellated parasite Leishmania which is transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. The two common genera of sandfly vectors are Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia. Clinically, Leishmaniasis can be divided into three subtypes: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and mucosal leishmaniasis (ML).Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of a Leishmania infection that affects approximately 0.7 million to 1.2 million human beings.1It impacts the poorest of the poor and is linked to immune system weakness, lack of resources, gender discrimination, illiteracy, inadequate housing, displacement, and hunger2. It is most commonly seen in tropical and subtropical areas around the globe. Few cases of leishmaniasis have been reported in Nepal as well. The lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis are painless, non-pruritic, and frequently seen in the exposed areas of the body, initially appearing as papules and progressing to form nodulo-ulcerative lesions with seropurulent discharge. The other forms of lesions include hypodermic, verrucous, and hemorrhagic.3Summary:Cutaneous leishmaniasis should always be considered as a differential diagnosis of papulonodular lesions in non-endemic areas like Nepal.History, clinical examination with histopathological examination of lesions is crucial for the diagnosis.Early identification and timely intervention can prevent further complications.
