CURRENT CHALLENGES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTIOUS SKIN DISEASES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to synthesize the main challenges involved in diagnosing infectious skin diseases, considering the growing etiological diversity, the variability of clinical presentations and the limitations associated with traditional diagnostic methods. This narrative review was based on a critical analysis of scientific articles published between 2022 and 2025, selected for their relevance to clinical dermatology. The results indicate that infections such as syphilis, cutaneous tuberculosis, leishmaniasis and deep mycoses often exhibit similar clinical patterns, contributing to misdiagnoses or delays in therapeutic decision-making. The review also showed that conventional diagnostic methods, including culture and histopathology, present variable sensitivity and prolonged processing time, whereas molecular techniques and next-generation sequencing enhance diagnostic precision and speed. Furthermore, recent studies highlight the potential of artificial intelligence for screening and classifying infectious lesions, although its widespread use still depends on validation and adequate infrastructure. It is concluded that effective diagnosis requires an integrated approach combining clinical evaluation, advanced laboratory methods and emerging technological tools, promoting greater accuracy and equity in dermatological care.