Re-emerging and New Skin Infections

An increased number of new and emerging infectious diseases have distinct cutaneous involvement. In such cases, the contribution of the consultant dermatologist becomes quite relevant. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the practicing dermatologist useful information about diseases such as Buruli ulcer, infections by free-living amoebas such as Balamuthia mandrillaris, infective dermatitis as cutaneous manifestations of HTLV1infection, gnathostomiasis, and Paederus dermatitis. The discussion includes their clinical and histopathological characteristics, as well as the recent advances regarding their therapy. Globalized medicine (and globalized dermatology) requires an open mind. In this day of continuous traveling and great migration waves around the world, it is obsolete to think you never will see such diseases. The next patient at your door may just come from Africa, South América, or Asia, and unless you think globally, you may miss the diagnosis.