Tropical Dermatoses and Photodermatoses
Recognition and referral of the tropical dermatoses and photodermatoses most frequently encountered among the more than 45 million foreign-born residents of the United States.
Needs & context
The United States hosts over 45 million foreign-born residents, many from tropical regions where photodermatoses and endemic dermatoses are prevalent. Clinicians frequently encounter conditions such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, deep mycoses and photodermatoses without adequate training for recognition and referral.
Learning objectives
Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
- Identify the clinical features of the most prevalent tropical dermatoses in migrant populations seen in U.S. settings.
- Differentiate photodermatoses by mechanism (immunological, metabolic, idiopathic) and apply appropriate photoprotection counseling.
- Recognize cutaneous leishmaniasis and select appropriate referral pathways.
- Apply clinical considerations specific to Latin American, Caribbean, and African-origin populations.
Topics covered
- Overview of tropical dermatoses relevant to migrant populations in the U.S.
- Photodermatoses: classification, differential diagnosis, evidence-based photoprotection
- Tropical infectious dermatoses: cutaneous leishmaniasis, deep mycoses (paracoccidioidomycosis, chromoblastomycosis)
- Clinical considerations for professionals serving diverse populations
- Online post-assessment (10 questions, 70% to complete) and participant evaluation
References
- Handler MZ, Patel PA, Kapila R, Al-Qali Y, Schwartz RA. Cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(6):911-926.
- Queiroz-Telles F, de Hoog S, Santos DWCL, et al. Chromoblastomycosis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2017;30(1):233-276.
- Lim HW, Hawk JLM. Photodermatologic disorders. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. 9th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2019:chap 88.
- Caumes E. Treatment of cutaneous larva migrans. Clin Infect Dis. 2000;30(5):811-814.
- Schwartz RA. Superficial fungal infections. Lancet. 2004;364(9440):1173-1182.
Modality & credit. Delivered fully online/remotely. Upon completion of the post-assessment, participants receive a certificate of completion stating the estimated instructional hours. This certificate is not an accredited continuing-education credit — no ANCC, AMA, ACCME, Florida Board of Nursing or other state-board credit is offered or implied.
Scope. This course provides education in technique and clinical knowledge. Clinical application is subject to each participant's licensure, scope of practice, and state regulations.
Instructor disclosure. Leonardo Bianchini, MD (Brazil), PhD, RN — declares no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests related to the content of these educational activities. No commercial support was received for any course.