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Palmoplantar lesions in leprosy.
1Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Indian Journal of Leprosy
|October 3, 1999
Summary
Leprosy lesions on palms and soles are uncommon but were found in 10% of patients. These palmo-plantar lesions were more frequent during type I leprosy reactions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Research
Background:
- Palms and soles have historically been considered immune to leprosy.
- Limited data exists on the frequency and characteristics of leprosy lesions in these areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the occurrence of leprosy lesions on palms and soles.
- To correlate palmo-plantar lesions with patient parameters, including leprosy reactions.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 280 leprosy patients for palmo-plantar lesions.
- Diagnostic procedures including slit-skin smears and biopsies from affected and routine sites.
- Histopathological examination and slit-skin smear analysis for disease confirmation.
Main Results:
- Palmo-plantar lesions were observed in 10% of the screened leprosy patients.
- Fifty percent of patients experiencing type I reactions presented with palm or sole lesions.
- Various lesion morphologies were noted, including 'silky hand' in one case.
Conclusions:
- Palms and soles can manifest leprosy lesions, challenging the notion of their immunity.
- Leprosy reactions, particularly type I, may unmask or exacerbate palmo-plantar involvement.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis of these lesions.