Cutaneous amebiasis in Adult
See also in: AnogenitalAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
In older children, cutaneous amebiasis is typically restricted to those with amebic dysentery, and it occurs in the perineal / genital area.
In adults, cutaneous amebiasis in the perineal / genital area usually occurs as a sexually transmitted infection, particularly in patients who practice anal intercourse, and manifests as a painful ulceration in that region. In particular, anal intercourse with persons suffering from amebic dysentery can result in a penile ulcer.
Other common routes for skin involvement include direct inoculation from colonic surgery on involved amebic colon or from draining a hepatic amebic abscess.
In general, cutaneous disease commonly presents as one or more painful ulcers that can become necrotic. Notably, ulcers tend to enlarge rapidly. If left untreated, progression is rapid and massive destruction of skin and subcutaneous tissues may ensue.
About 50 million people are estimated to develop intestinal amebiasis each year worldwide, and cutaneous amebiasis may occur in conjunction with other organ involvement or may be the only manifestation of infection. Entamoeba histolytica infection and morbidity is mostly experienced in Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Most patients are male, with a 2:1 male to female ratio.
Usual symptoms of amebic colitis occur 7-21 days after exposure and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, and tenesmus.
Sexually active men who have sex with men and patients with AIDS are at higher risk for transmission, and malnourished individuals are more likely to develop cutaneous complications.
Codes
ICD10CM:A06.7 – Cutaneous amebiasis
SNOMEDCT:
111910009 – Amebiasis
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Chancroid presents as a deep, painful ulcer with undermined borders.
- Genital herpes simplex presents as superficial groups of vesicles that rapidly become painful erosions or small ulcers.
- In primary syphilis, the chancre is typically painless.
- Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) presents as a painless, firm ulcer with an elevated border, possibly with adjacent scarring.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) presents as a superficial, painless, round ulcer with an elevated base.
- Candidiasis
- Crohn disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Behçet disease
- Pyoderma gangrenosum
- Penile calciphylaxis
- Extramammary Paget disease
- Bowen disease
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Last Reviewed:03/15/2017
Last Updated:10/18/2022
Last Updated:10/18/2022
Cutaneous amebiasis in Adult
See also in: Anogenital