Cutaneous schistosomiasis: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Nigeria is one of the 74 countries endemic for schistosomiasis, with the most common species being schistosoma hematobium and bladder infestation with hematuria as the most common mode of presentation. However, rarely, extra-vesical ectopic sites such as the skin may be affected as it is in this case report of an 18-year-old male. Cutaneous schistosomiasis usually presents as crops of papular rashes with normal skin color on the trunk with or without pruritus and coexisting hematuria. These rare cases pose diagnostic challenges because of their unusual presentation and require high index of clinical suspicion for their identification. However diagnosis can be confirmed by histology of representative skin biopsy.