Antimalarial agents are medications used chiefly to treat malaria, an infection with a single-celled parasite. However, they are also prescribed to treat several other conditions, including those associated with skin disorders.

Malaria occurs mostly in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in Africa, Asia, South America and Central America. In the United States, the disease has almost been eradicated. Nonetheless, each year hundreds of Americans get the disease while traveling overseas and are treated with antimalarial drugs.

In addition, several conditions that cause symptoms in the skin can be treated with antimalarial agents. Scientists are not exactly sure how antimalarial agents work to treat skin conditions. However, it is believed that antimalarials inhibit skin reactions to ultraviolet light, suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. It is also believed that antimalarials may work by binding to the genetic material in cells, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Antimalarial agents are sometimes used in conjunction with oral corticosteroids for certain skin conditions.

Because of the risk for side effects, people taking antimalarial agents must be monitored with blood tests, including CBC and liver function tests. Frequent eye exams (every three to six months) are also recommended.