ArticleTropical medicine and health2025
Traditional medicine practices for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Kalu District, South Wollo, Ethiopia.
Article in Tropical medicine and health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Diagnosis of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and treatment outcomes following carbon dioxide cryotherapy performed by health centre staff: A pilot implementation study in Ethiopia.PLOS global public health · 2026Article
- Chemical Diversity and Biomedical Relevance of Oxalis corniculata L.: A Review of Nutritional and Pharmacological Aspects.Chemistry & biodiversity · 2026Review
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11 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease of public health importance in Ethiopia, with an estimated 40,000 new cases per year. Access to allopathic diagnostic and treatment facilities is limited. Traditional healthcare is an accessible option in many communities, but there is limited evidence on the types of traditional treatments utilized for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia.
objectiveTo explore the traditional treatment practices used for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kalu district, South Wollo, Ethiopia.
methodsWe conducted an ethnographic study from April to August 2023 in Kalu district, Amhara region. Interviews with ten cutaneous leishmaniasis affected individuals, five traditional healers, and three local opinion leaders were conducted to understand their experiences, treatment choices, and perceptions. In addition, observations at three traditional healers were used to document traditional treatment procedures, materials used, and healer-client interactions. The interviews were transcribed verbatim in Amharic and translated to English and thematically analyzed alongside observation notes.
resultsCutaneous leishmaniasis affected individuals reported using traditional treatments to manage cutaneous leishmaniasis. The factors influencing this choice were lack of awareness about the availability of allopathic treatments, limited access to healthcare facilities, the long duration and high cost of allopathic treatment, trust in traditional healers, and recommendations from community members. Plant-based remedies were commonly applied to lesions, while other treatments included honey, dried bat meat, application of heated metallic objects, and spiritual practices. Traditional healers recommended various behavioral modifications as part of the therapeutic process to facilitate healing, which included dietary restrictions, limiting farm work and cooking, celibacy, and social isolation.
conclusionIn Kalu, traditional medicines are the primary source of treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. With limited access to allopathic care, cost of services, and trust in local healers, traditional healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis is widely recognized. While further research may help to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of traditional healing practices, there is a need to find ways of engaging healers to support interventions tackling skin diseases.
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