Table 2 Rank scores of distinguishing statements for views on the different modalities of cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment

1

Combination therapy of intralesional sodium stibogluconate and other CL therapy modalities such as cryotherapy, systemic antibiotics are superior to monotherapy with sodium stibogluconate.

2

Combination therapy is superior to monotherapy for any case of CL

3

Effectiveness of combined intralesional sodium stibogluconate or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen with antibiotics (e.g., Azithromycin or Doxycycline) is mainly due to overcoming secondary bacterial infection by antibiotics.

4

Problems of sodium stibogluconate are interrupted supply to health care providers and lack of original quality sometimes.

5

Resistance to treatment in CL is due to low efficacy drugs.

6

The use of herbal or homemade remedies by patients, which interfere with treatment, is very common.

7

Patients noncompliance to the schedule of the treatment plan is the main obstacle for treating patients with CL

8

Fear of patients from treatment modalities and unawareness about the disease makes them not sticking to treatment schedules and instructions.

9

If Zinc sulfate is given as monotherapy in large doses, it can heal CL patients.

10

Rifampicin is a potent and effective anti- CL treatment.

11

Systematic antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole or fluconazole) are effective in the treatment of CL.

12

Debridement and dressing of ulcerated lesions of CL have an important role in the treatment plan.

13

For CL lesions of up to 4 in number, especially in hidden areas of the body, there is no need for any treatment, and only dressing and tying is enough.

14

After decades of serious work and the presence of several options with newer compounds and combinations, there is still a little advance in the treatment of CL, which is not satisfactory for both doctors and patients.

15

CL course extends more than 1–2 months despite treatment.

16

Resistance to treatment is the main complication of CL treatment.

17

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is the treatment of choice in children, especially for facial and ear lesions and dry lesions.

18

The effect of cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is unpredictable; some patients benefit from cryotherapy sessions while others come back with blistering and ulceration of lesions.

19

Photodynamic therapy for CL lesions is advised for lesions located on cosmetically concerned areas such as the face.

20

The intralesional sodium stibogluconate method is to inject it until the lesion turns white and is indurated.

21

Systemic sodium stibogluconate is given when there is no response to cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.