Cutaneous onchocerciasis in an American traveler

A case report of cutaneous onchocercias acquired during travels to Africa is presented. The salient epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects are reviewed. Clinical and laboratory differences between onchocerciasis patients who are inhabitants of endemic areas and those who are occasional visitors to such areas are discussed. Parasitic infections, including onchocerciasis, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pruritic eruptions in patients with a history of foreign travel to Africa, Central and South America. © 2004 The International Society of Dermatology.