Coexistent lepromatous leprosy and reactive perforating collagenosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Genetics

Background:

• Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
• Reactive perforating collagenosis is a rare skin disorder characterized by transepidermal elimination of connective tissue.
• Coexistence of these two conditions is uncommon.

Observation:

• Two young male patients presented with coexistent lepromatous leprosy and reactive perforating collagenosis.
• Both patients had consanguineous parents.
• Superficial scratching (Koebner's phenomenon induction) did not elicit reactive perforating collagenosis lesions.

Findings:

• The lesions of reactive perforating collagenosis responded well to topical retinoic acid treatment.
• The study investigated the relationship between leprosy and reactive perforating collagenosis.
• Koebner's phenomenon induction was unsuccessful for reactive perforating collagenosis in this context.

Implications:

• Topical retinoic acid is a potential therapeutic option for reactive perforating collagenosis, especially when co-occurring with leprosy.
• Further research may elucidate the pathogenesis linking leprosy and reactive perforating collagenosis.
• Understanding Koebner phenomenon's role in reactive perforating collagenosis requires further investigation.