ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION During the past few years we have witnessed an increase in the incidence of infectious diseases. Two contributing factors are an increase in international travel and population migration. Diseases once considered to be exotic or indigenous to certain parts of the world are now seen on every continent and with an increased frequency. This chapter will provide an overview of tropical and exotic infectious diseases that present in the skin. It should be noted that the most common infectious diseases in tropical environments are impetigo, tinea, scabies, and louse infestation, conditions that are prevalent in temperate climates as well. Impetigo in tropical environments is often secondary to scabies infestation.
