Falciparum malaria presenting with pruritic rashes

Abstract

Rash is not generally believed to be a symptom of malaria. Two cases of acute falciparum malaria in non-immune residents of Mozambique who presented with pruritic rashes are reported. One case exhibited classical urticaria, the other a pruritic papular rash. Review of the literature reveals cases of malaria from India, East Africa, France, and the USA presenting with urticaria or a pruritic rash. Previous exposure to malaria may be a factor in these presentations. Physicians should not discount the diagnosis of malaria in patients with a history of exposure if they present with a rash. This may be of particular importance in travellers returned from malarious areas to developed countries.