Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with cryosurgery

BACKGROUND: The management of cutaneous leishmaniasis with topical methods, if effective, can spare patients from long and costly inpatient treatments. METHODS: Seventeen patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated with cryosurgery using liquid nitrogen as the cryogen. Two cycles of 10-30 s freezing time were used and repeated at 3-week intervals. RESULTS: All patients responded well to therapy with excellent cosmetic results and no relapse in any case. Side-effects were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous leishmaniasis can be successfully treated with a simple protocol of cryosurgery with minor side-effects.