Skin Disease in Travelers

With the increased ability of people to travel around the world, a great number
of skin diseases, mainly infectious, can be acquired by travellers. These
may represent a challenge not just to the medical community but particularly
to dermatologists. Signs and symptoms may be nonspecific. Furthermore,
many infections by different organisms may share a similar set of signs and
symptoms making definitive diagnosis even more difficult. Whenever possible,
this is achieved only in isolation or demonstration of the causative organism.
However, this can be very difficult if the diagnosis is not considered, on
clinical suspicion by the physician. Though infectious skin diseases should be
high in the differential diagnosis at presentation of any traveller with skin
disease, there are also some conditions produced by physical agents, for
example, exposure to extreme temperatures: heat or cold.
The aim of this book is to raise awareness in the medical world in order to
consider a potential infectious cause for many of the skin rashes in travellers,
as well as over exposure to different climatic conditions. It also aims to give
advice on potential ways of prevention but foremost to acquaint the physician
with the different signs and symptoms of skin diseases in travellers, as well
as the best available treatments. I very much believe this book will be a valuable
contribution to all medical communities including young and experienced
physicians as well as junior and senior dermatologists.