Arthropod dermatoses acquired in the UK and overseas

International tourism to tropical and sub-tropical areas, both to resource-poor and developed countries, has almost trebled within the past 20 years. We examined the records of patients referred to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine over 6 years. 46 (63%) of infestations originated in the UK. Ticks were most common in the UK (19 cases, 41%) whereas myiasis was most common in travellers (18 cases, 67%). These records suggest that whereas many overseas acquired infestations are potentially dangerous if infections are transmitted, ticks constitute the greatest risk, and both domestic and exotic species may act as disease vectors.