BACKGROUND: Throughout history, physicians of the armed forces have gained experience in tropical medicine during deployment in tropical countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During deployments in Cambodia and Somalia, dermatologists treated participants of the UN missions and also local people to win their confidence. The experience acquired during these missions is reported. RESULTS: The dermatologist was mainly confronted with the diagnosis and treatment of infectious skin diseases, including genitourinary diseases. Therapy of parasitic infections rarely imported to Europe was a challenge. CONCLUSION: Training and experience in Tropical Medicine are essential for medical officers deployed on missions as well as for physicians advising travellers.
BACKGROUND: Throughout history, physicians of the armed forces have gained experience in tropical medicine during deployment in tropical countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During deployments in Cambodia and Somalia, dermatologists treated participants of the UN missions and also local people to win their confidence. The experience acquired during these missions is reported. RESULTS: The dermatologist was mainly confronted with the diagnosis and treatment of infectious skin diseases, including genitourinary diseases. Therapy of parasitic infections rarely imported to Europe was a challenge. CONCLUSION: Training and experience in Tropical Medicine are essential for medical officers deployed on missions as well as for physicians advising travellers.