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Cutaneous Manifestations of Neglected Infectious Diseases in US Military Personnel

Kolby Quillin1, Guilherme Kuceki1, Peter Seline1

  • 1Kolby Quillin is from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Ohio. Dr. Kuceki is from the Department of Dermatology, Ohio Health Riverside, Columbus. Dr. Seline is from the Center for Surgical Dermatology, Westerville, Ohio.

Cutis
|July 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Rare infectious diseases with skin symptoms threaten military health. Early recognition of these cutaneous manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment in deployed personnel.

Area of Science:

  • Military medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Infectious diseases pose significant risks to military personnel globally.
  • Deployment and environmental factors increase vulnerability to pathogens.
  • Cutaneous manifestations can be early indicators of infection, especially in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review rare infectious agents with dermatologic findings in US military personnel.
  • To provide practical management strategies for clinicians in austere environments.
  • To emphasize the importance of early recognition for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of infectious diseases with cutaneous findings in military populations.
  • Analysis of epidemiologic risk factors and geographic considerations.
  • Discussion of clinical management strategies for resource-limited settings.

Main Results:

  • Identified select rare infectious agents manifesting with skin symptoms in military personnel.
  • Highlighted the role of dermatologic findings as early diagnostic clues.
  • Provided insights into risk factors and geographic prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt recognition of infectious diseases with cutaneous findings is essential for military health.
  • Clinicians in resource-limited settings can utilize this review for diagnosis and management.
  • Understanding rare infections with skin manifestations improves patient outcomes in military operations.

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