[Common tropical infections with protozoans, worms and ectoparasites].

[dracunculiasis]

Infectious diseases of the skin have become rarer in industrialized nations , but they still affect a considerable part of the population in tropical regions . Skin diseases induced by protozoa , worms and ectoparasites are among the 17 "neglected tropical diseases " defined by the WHO (leishmaniasis , dracunculiasis , lymphatic filariasis , onchocerciasis ). Skin symptoms in travellers returning from the tropics may challenge dermatologists in Germany regarding differential diagnostic assessment and therapy . Among the 12 most frequent skin diseases in travellers are cutaneous larva migrans , leishmaniasis and myiasis . In this review , diagnosis , treatment and prevention of some the most relevant tropical dermatoses due to protozoa , worms and ectoparasites are discussed .