Journal of travel medicine
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Travel-related skin problems are a common reason for healthcare consultations. We present a clinical approach to diagnosing skin diseases in travellers, emphasizing clinical examination and epidemiological clues such as travel history, incubation time and at-risk behaviours. ⋯ Diagnostic approaches emphasize the importance of travel history, at-risk activities during travel and lesion distribution. At-risk activities include sun exposure, walking barefoot, exposure to sea and fresh water, hiking in forested or jungle areas, exposure frequency to mosquitoes and sandflies, poor hygiene and food intake, drug history and sexual behaviour. Morphological characteristics (vesicula, bullae, pustule, papule, nodule, plaque, oedema and ulcer), distinguishing between single and multiple skin lesions, localized or generalized, and whether mucosa, scalp, palmar or plantar surfaces are affected, provide further clinical clues. Systemic signs and symptoms such as fever and pruritus will aid in the differential diagnosis algorithms. With a thorough clinical assessment and knowledge of geographic and exposure-related risk factors, the differential diagnosis of travel-associated skin conditions can be narrowed down allowing for timely clinical management.