Atypical presentation of cutaneous leishmeniasis in the native population of Balochistan

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in many parts of the world including Balochistan province of Pakistan. In its classical manner it is not difficult to diagnose but when it presents with an atypical clinical picture it always challenges the diagnostic skill of dermatologists. Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the various unusual forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the native population of Balochistan. Results Out of a total number of 2103 CL patients, 43 (2.04%) patients showed atypical lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Out of these 43 patients, 2 (0.095%) had leishmaniasis of the scalp, 4 (0.190%) had palmoplantar leishmaniasis, 1 (0.047%) presented with penile leishmaniasis, 3 (0.142%) patients showed DLE-like lesions, while 3 (0.142%) had eczematous appearance. Rest of the patients presented with zosteriform leishmaniasis 2 (0.095%), cheilitis-like CL 8 (0.380%), paronychial CL 14 (0.666%), leishmaniasis of the eyelids 5 (0.237%) and annular CL 1 (0.047%) patient. Conclusion Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease of variable morphology, at times closely mimicking various other cutaneous disorders