## What Are the Symptoms of Leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by tiny parasites called Leishmania, which are spread through the bites of infected sand flies. The symptoms can look very different depending on which type of leishmaniasis a person has—there are three main forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Each form affects the body in its own way and can cause a range of problems, from mild skin sores to serious illness that affects internal organs.
## Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form. It mainly affects the skin. After being bitten by an infected sand fly, it usually takes weeks or even months for symptoms to show up.
**Skin Changes**
– **Sores or Ulcers:** The first sign is often a small bump at the bite site. Over time, this bump can turn into an open sore (ulcer). The sore might be round or oval and usually has raised edges.
– **Appearance:** These sores can be red or have a crusty surface. Sometimes they ooze fluid.
– **Location:** Sores often appear on exposed parts of the body like the face, arms, legs, or ears—places where sand flies are likely to bite.
– **Healing:** Some sores heal on their own over months but may leave scars that can be disfiguring and cause emotional distress.
**Other Skin Symptoms**
– Sometimes there are several sores at once.
– In rare cases, people get many bumps all over their body (diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis), but these don’t usually turn into ulcers.
**Pain and Discomfort**
– The sores might be painful or itchy.
– Scratching them could lead to infection with bacteria.
## Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is less common but more serious because it affects not just the skin but also mucous membranes—the moist linings inside your nose, mouth, and throat.
**Early Signs**
– It often starts with skin ulcers similar to those in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
– After weeks to years (sometimes after initial healing), new problems develop in mucous membranes.
**Mouth and Nose Problems**
– Sores inside your nose may cause stuffiness or bleeding (epistaxis).
– As things get worse you might notice:
– A runny nose
– Crusting inside your nostrils
– Painful ulcers in your mouth
– Swelling around your lips
– Difficulty swallowing if ulcers spread down your throat
**Severe Cases**
