01314nas a2200169   4500000000100000008004100001653002000042653002000062653001900082653001200101653002800113100001300141245005200154300001000206490000700216520092100223       2014                            d10aTropical ulcers10aSkin infections10aonchocerciasis10aleprosy10aCutaneous leishmaniasis1 aMoor E M00aDiagnostic approach to tropical skin infections  a73-780 v423 aAn approach to the diagnosis of tropical skin infections is described with emphasis on the important aspects of the history and clinical examination. In particular, the importance of taking a detailed travel history is highlighted, with focus on the precise details of the geographical areas of travel by a patient, and the activities undertaken whilst abroad. Diagnostic algorithms of the main dermatological presentations of ulcers/weeping spots, patches/plaques, and papules/nodules are presented. The key differential diagnoses of tropical skin infections are highlighted, including those conditions common in temperate regions that may be more common in the tropical environment. As HIV is common in the ‘tropical’ settings, skin conditions that are worsened by HIV are highlighted. Selected tropical skin infections are described in detail and a brief description of investigations that may be appropriate.