Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major

This protocol applies to cutaneous leishmaniasis in which the causative species is Leishmania major. Disease caused by this species has distinct epidemiological and clinical features that inform the treatment decision.

Management is guided by the extent of cutaneous involvement, whether lesions are cosmetically significant, the patient's immune status, and the patient's own preferences. These factors together determine whether active antileishmanial therapy is warranted or whether a different approach is appropriate.

In selected patients who meet specific clinical and patient-related criteria, this protocol may follow a conservative strategy — involving simple wound care rather than antileishmanial drug therapy. The full eligibility criteria, clinical decision algorithm, and follow-up framework are available in the complete protocol.