Skin problems in the traveler

Skin lesions are common in travelers and include a mix of mundane dermatologic problems and rare diseases acquired only in remote or tropical regions. The morphology, distribution, and progression of the lesions are useful in assessing possible causes. Early in the evaluation it is important to determine whether the patient might have a process that is rapidly progressive, treatable, or transmissible. In addition to routine laboratory studies, biopsy and serologic tests are often necessary to confirm a specific diagnosis.