Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis in a 31-year-old male patient: recognizing an imitator and its future trends in the United States

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a polymorphic dermatosis caused by the bite of a sandfly carrying the protozoan parasite, leishmaniasis. Until recently, CL was considered a tropical disease among American travelers. However, CL has been observed with more frequency in the United States and is now recognized as endemic in Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma. We present a case report of a 31-year-old patient who contracted CL during a trip to Mexico, fitting the stereotypical presentation for American patients. Beyond this case, we aim to raise awareness and improve the diagnosis of this condition in newly endemic zones with consideration of epidemiological trends and the increasing incidence among Americans without a stereotypical history of recent travel or immigration. Misdiagnosis of this condition can lead to delays in care, unnecessary surgeries, and significant disfigurement.