Which form of leishmaniasis presents as ulcers that often self-heal over 3-18 months, leaving scars?

• A. Cutaneous
• B. Mucocutaneous
• C. Visceral
• D. Diffuse Cutaneous

Answer: (A)

Leishmaniasis can present in several forms depending on where the parasite causes disease and how the host responds. The skin form shows a localized ulcer at the site of the sandfly bite that often heals on its own over several months to a year or longer, leaving a permanent scar. That self-healing pattern with scarring is characteristic of cutaneous leishmaniasis and typically occurs without systemic symptoms. In contrast, mucocutaneous disease involves mucous membranes and can cause disfiguring facial/nasal lesions; visceral disease presents with fever, weight loss, and enlarged liver and spleen; diffuse cutaneous appears as widespread nodules rather than a single healing ulcer. So the described ulcers that heal spontaneously and scar point to the cutaneous form.