The purpose of this study is to determine whether pentoxifylline associated to pentavalent antimony has a higher cure rate than pentavalent antimony alone in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Newly diagnosed (untreated) cutaneous leishmaniasis with localized lesions and a positive culture or diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods or by intradermal skin testing (Montenegro test).
• Number of lesions: 1 to 3 ulcerative lesions.
• Lesion´s diameter: 1 to 5 cm.
• Disease duration: up to three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Safety concerns:

  • AST, ALT >3 times upper limit of normal range
  • Serum creatinine or BUN >1.5 times upper limit of normal range
  • Evidence of serious underlying disease (cardiac, renal, hepatic or pulmonary)
  • Immunodeficiency or antibody to HIV
  • Any non-compensated or uncontrolled condition, such as active tuberculosis, malignant disease, severe malaria, HIV, or other major infectious diseases
  • Lactation, pregnancy (to be determined by adequate test) or inadequate contraception in females of childbearing potential for treatment period plus 2 months

• Lack of suitability for the trial:

  • Negative parasitology (aspirate/biopsy/PCR)or negative Montenegro test
  • Any history of prior anti-leishmania therapy
  • Any condition which compromises ability to comply with the study procedures

• Administrative reasons:

  • Lack of ability or willingness to give informed consent (patient and/or parent / legal representative)
  • Anticipated non-availability for study visits/procedures