Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is not so much a dermatological problem as it is a systemic internal problem. Occasionally, it can occur in travelers or visitors, aid workers, missionaries, soldiers, or ecotourists. However, most of the manifestations are in people who live in an endemic area. The danger worst for travelers is the development of Katayama syndrome, which is most common in people who are usually not exposed. It may appear 2–14 weeks after the non-immune individuals are exposed to a first initial schistosome infection or severe reinfection. Some skin symptoms are discussed: swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis), urticaria, and bilharziasis cutanea tarda. The life cycle of schistosoma from contaminated water to snails, infection of the human host and circulation in the body, and presence in the liver, gastroenteric, genitourinary, and other organs are analyzed. The way to diagnosis and treatment are discussed.