Abstract
Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract are a cause of morbidity to millions
of individuals worldwide. These parasites are endemic in underdeveloped countries
with poor sanitation allowing for spread through contaminated water supplies. While
much is known about these parasites, the cutaneous manifestations caused by infection
are infrequently reported in the literature. The deposition of the parasites into
the perianal region often leads to significant skin irritation. Cutaneous findings
vary from a mild pruritus ani to a macular rash to even severe perianal ulceration.
This article discusses the perianal cutaneous findings caused by the parasitic illnesses,
amebiasis, schistosomiasis, Enterobius vermicularis, strongyloidiasis, and cutaneous larva migrans, as well as their respective management.
Keywords
schistosomiasis - pinworm - cutaneous - parasite - colitis - dysentery - helminth
- nematode - trophozoite - cercaria - filariform
