Tropical ulcer

Tropical ulcer
Classification and external resources
Specialty
ICD-10	L98.4 (ILDS L98.440)
Patient UK	Tropical ulcer

Tropical ulcer (also known as Aden ulcer, Jungle rot, Malabar ulcer, and Tropical phagedena) is a chronic ulcerative skin lesion thought to be caused by polymicrobial infection with a variety of microorganisms, including mycobacteria. It is common in tropical climates.

Ulcers occur on exposed parts of the body, primarily on anterolateral aspect of the lower limbs and may erode muscles and tendons, and sometimes, the bones. These lesions may frequently develop on preexisting abrasions or sores sometimes beginning from a mere scratch.

Clinical features

File:Tropical ulcer.jpg

This image depicted the left foot of a patient, which displayed this acute tropical ulcer upon his admission to toborra Goroka Hospital, in Goroka, New Guinea.

The vast majority of the tropical ulcers occur below the knee, usually around the ankle. They may also occur on arms. They are often initiated by minor trauma, and subjects with poor nutrition are at higher risk. Once developed, the ulcer may become chronic and stable, but also it can run a destructive course with deep tissue invasion, osteitis, and risk of amputation. Unlike Buruli ulcer, tropical ulcers are very painful. Lesions begin with inflammatory papules that progress into vesicles and rupture with the formation of an ulcer. Chronic ulcers involve larger area and may eventually develop into squamous epithelioma after 10 years or more

Microbiology

There is now considerable evidence to suggest that this disease is an infection. M. ulcerans has recently been isolated from lesions and is unique to tropical ulcers. Early lesions may be colonized or infected by, Bacillus fusiformis (Vincent's organism), anaerobes and spirochaetes. Later, tropical ulcer may become infected with a variety of organisms, notably, staphylococci and/or streptococci. The condition has been shown to be transmissible by inoculation of material from affected patients.

Epidemiology

Tropical ulcer has been described as a disease of the 'poor and hungry'; it may be that slowly improving socioeconomic conditions and nutrition account for its decline. Urbanization of populations could be another factor, as tropical ulcer is usually a rural problem. More widespread use of shoes and socks also provides protection from initiating trauma. Despite this, susceptible individuals still develop tropical ulcers. Sometimes outbreaks can occur; one was recorded in Tanzania in sugarcane workers cutting the crops while barefoot. Tropical ulcers can also occur to the visitors of tropics. The disease is most common in native laborers and in schoolchildren of the tropics and subtropics during the rainy season and is caused in many instances by the bites of insects, poor hygiene, and pyogenic infections. Males are more commonly infected than females.

Geographic distribution

Tropical ulcer is seen throughout the tropics and subtropics. In some of these countries, such as northern Papua New Guinea, it is the most common skin disease. It is also a frequent problem amongst the homeless in tropical countries, as both the exposure to the elements and their unhygienic lifestyle make them a high-risk population. Open skin from intravenous drug use often exacerbates the problem.

Treatment

• Antibiotics: In early stages, penicillin or metronidazole are used in combination with topical antiseptic.
• Improved nutrition and vitamins.
• Non-adherent dressings and elevation of limbs.
• Large infected ulcers may require debridement under anesthesia.
• Skin grafting may be helpful in advanced cases to ensure the lesion does not progress to chronic stage.
• In extreme cases, amputation is necessary.

Prevention

Adequate footwear is important to prevent trauma. General good health and nutrition also reduce ulcer risk. Adequate and prompt cleansing and treatment of ankle and leg skin breaks is also important. Improving hygiene and nutrition may help to prevent tropical ulcers.

Complications

• Skin color: Rarely, Jungle rot will result in complications with skin pigmentation. It has been known to leave the victim with different colors such as bright red, blue, green, and a rare color change of orange.
• Deep tissue invasion: Often with bone involvement, and potentially leading to amputation.
• Chronic ulceration.
• Recurrent ulceration.
• Squamous cell carcinoma may occasionally develop, usually in chronic cases, and at the edge of ulcer.
• Tetanus: by entry of tetanus bacilli through the ulcer.

See also

• Skin lesion