The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of parasitic diseases, cancer, or skin diseases by topical administration and especially ointments for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The present invention further relates to the use of the present ointments for the treatment of parasitic diseases, cancer, or skin diseases and especially ointments for the treatment of leishmaniasis in both humans and animals. Specifically, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions such as ointments and crèmes for the treatment of parasitic diseases, cancer, or skin diseases by topical administration comprising 0.1 to 20 weight %, preferably 0.1 to 10 weight %, more preferably 0.1 to 7 weight %, most preferably 0.5 to 5 weight %, of the pharmaceutical composition oleyl phosphocholine as an active ingredient.
