Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of weekly cryotherapy for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Methodology: This interventional case series were done from January to December 2017 at Dermatology Unit, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. All male and female patients having direct skin smear test showing Leishmania Donovani bodies were included in the study. Detailed history was taken and complete physical examination was done to rule out related diseases. Patients were given cryotherapy weekly for 6 to 10 weeks. At the end of the treatment, direct skin smear test for Leishmania Donovani bodies was performed to determine intervention efficacy.
Results: Mean age was 24.39±12.262 years. Age, area, and gender were insignificant (p=0.616). About 18.4% of patients recovered after 1 to 6 sessions. The remaining patients (81.6%) required an additional 1 to 4 sessions for complete remission. Cryotherapy had mild adverse effects and most patients recovered with negligible scaring. Lesion size and location affected clinical response.
Conclusion: Cryotherapy was effective after 1 to 6 sessions with weekly intervals, especially for smaller lesions with few complications and no issue of resistance.. To cure larger lesions additional sessions were needed.

Key words: Cryotherapy, meglumine antimoniate, leishmaniasis.