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.
Keywords: Cryotherapy, meglumine antimoniate,
leishmaniasis.
