TROPICAL OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOSES CUTANEOU S MANIFESTATIONS OF NEMATODE AND TREMATODE INFECTIONS

There are several occupational dermatoses which can be acquired in the tropics. Infections with bacteria, protozoa and fungi are among the b etter known, but cutaneous manifestations of infections with nematodes and trematodes should also be considered. We describe the larva curre ns syndrome (caused by infection with Strongyloides stercoralis), subc utaneous swellings as a result of infections with Gnathostoma spp. or Loa-loa (Calabar swellings), the itchy rash of onchocerciasis and the cutaneous manifestations of schistosmiasis. Paragonimiasis is also men tioned for the rare occurrency of abscesses. The epidemiology of these infections is discussed to the extent of its relevance to dermatologi sts.