Nasal polyps: a predisposing factor for cutaneous leishmaniasis of the lips?

OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) of the lips is rare. This study was conducted to investigate findings in patients with this condition. METHODS: From 2007 to date, we observed 10 patients (nine males and one female), with a median age of 45.2 years (range: 8-77 years), with CL of the lips. RESULTS: Six of the 10 patients suffered from nasal polyps, three from bronchial asthma, and one from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Three of the patients with nasal polyps also had asthma. Three patients had none of nasal polyps, asthma, or COPD. In all patients with nasal polyps, diagnosis was confirmed by anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that, in patients with nasal polyps, asthma, and COPD, the need to breathe through the mouth rather than the nose facilitates the sting by sandflies. Subjects with nasal polyps living in areas endemic for CL should be warned about the risk for being stung by sandflies on the lips, in addition to other uncovered areas.