Pronunciation: [bˈaɡdad bˈɔ͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The term "Bagdad boil" refers to a skin disease caused by a parasitic infection common in the Middle East. The spelling of this term is based on the traditional English spelling of the city of Baghdad, where the disease was first identified. The IPA phonetic transcription of the term is /bæɡˈdæd bɔɪl/, indicating the stress on the second syllable of "Bagdad" and the pronunciation of "boil" as /bɔɪl/ (rhyming with "royal").
Baghdad boil, also known as Cutaneous leishmaniasis, is a skin infection caused by the Leishmania parasite. It is a tropical disease that is mainly prevalent in certain parts of the Middle East, including Iraq and other countries in that region.
The infection is transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies belonging to the Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia genera. These tiny bloodsucking insects are primarily found in rural and semi-urban areas, often in environments close to humans such as dwellings, animal shelters, and caves. When an infected sandfly bites a human, it injects the Leishmania parasites into the skin, leading to the development of Baghdad boil.
Baghdad boil commonly manifests as a single, painless skin lesion that gradually enlarges over several weeks or months. The lesion typically starts as a small red bump and develops into a painless ulcer with a raised edge. In some cases, multiple lesions may occur. The lesions often occur on exposed body parts like the face, arms, and legs, and can leave permanent scars after healing.
While Baghdad boil is not usually life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort and disfigurement if left untreated. Treatment typically involves administering anti-parasitic medications, taken either orally or through injections. Local treatments, such as creams or ointments, may also be used to alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing.
Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and sleeping under bed nets to minimize exposure to sandfly bites. Public health measures, such as controlling sandfly populations and improving living conditions in affected areas, are also crucial for reducing the transmission of Baghdad boil.
Oriental boil.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Bagdad boil" is derived from the name of the city Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. The word "boil" refers to the skin lesion caused by an infectious parasitic disease known as Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, which is prevalent in the Middle East, including Iraq. The name "Bagdad boil" was likely coined due to the association of the disease with the region and its prevalence among residents of Baghdad.
