Buruli Ulcer

Buruli ulcer is usually diagnosed by a doctor, based on:

medical history

travel history – if you have travelled to an area associated with Buruli ulcer

physical examination – to identify a slowly enlarging, painless ulcer

swabs or biopsy taken from the ulcer, which are tested in a laboratory.

Most Buruli ulcers require treatment with a 6-8 week course of specific oral antibiotics. Surgery is sometimes used in combination with antibiotic therapy if required to promote healing. 

As untreated ulcers tend to get bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can minimise skin loss.