Leishmaniasis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by a parasite. The female sandfly carries the parasite and passes it to you through a bite. The infection may affect your skin, mucus membranes, or organs. The infection can also spread throughout your body.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
Seek immediate care immediately:
- Your heart is beating faster than usual.
- You have trouble urinating or are urinating very little.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
Call your doctor if:
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
- You see blood in your urine or bowel movement.
- Your skin has signs of infection, such as pus or swelling.
- Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to kill the parasite. The medicine may be given as a pill, injection, or through an IV. You may need to put medicated creams or ointments on your skin sores to help them heal.
- Antibiotics may be needed if you develop a bacterial infection in any of the skin sores.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest as needed. Leishmaniasis can make you more tired than usual. Rest can help you feel better.
- Drink more liquids as directed. Liquids help prevent dehydration and help your organs work correctly. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods can help increase your energy and help you gain weight if you lost too much. If you have less appetite than usual, try eating small meals several times during the day. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, whole-grain breads, and cooked beans. Your healthcare provider or dietitian can help you create healthy meal plans.
- Care for your mouth if needed. Leishmaniasis that affects the mucus membranes can make your mouth more sensitive. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles or that is made for sensitive mouths. Brush and floss gently. Do not use mouthwash. Some kinds can burn or sting if you have sores in your mouth.
Prevent leishmaniasis:
- Protect yourself when you go to places where sand flies are found. If possible, stay inside from dusk to dawn. Sand flies feed (bite) during the night hours. They tend to be less active during the hottest times of the day. You can still get bitten if you disturb the sand flies during the day. Keep your skin covered when you are outside. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts. Wear thick socks and high boots that cover your ankles. Tuck your socks into your pants legs.
- Put screens on all windows of your home if you live where sand flies are common. Sand flies are smaller than mosquitos. Screens need to have very small holes to prevent the sand flies from getting in.
- Apply bug repellant. Only spray the repellant in an open area so you do not breathe it in. Follow the directions that come with the repellant. Wash the repellant off as soon as you come inside. Wash all sprayed clothing before you wear it again. Repellant may contain DEET or permethrin:
- Spray DEET on your clothing and bare skin. Do not spray your face directly. Put a small amount on your hands and apply to your face. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Do not apply DEET to a child who is younger than 2 months.
- Spray permethrin only on your clothing. Do not spray your skin.
- Put bed nets over the beds in your home. The bed nets will help keep sand flies from biting you as you sleep. Some bed nets are soaked in insecticide. You can also spray insecticide on the nets if needed. Insecticide can also be sprayed on screens and curtains to help protect window areas.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
What can I do to prevent the spread of germs?
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- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Use soap and water every time. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away in a trash can right away. Use the bend of your arm if a tissue is not available. Wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer.
- Stay away from others while you are sick. Avoid crowds as much as possible.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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