Hansen's disease associated with erythromelalgia mimicking Lupus erythematosus

Shenoi Shrutakirthi Damodar1, Prabhu Smitha1, Balakrishnan Nirmal1

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Hansen's disease, though considered to be at the verge of elimination in many countries including India, still continues to surprise patients and dermatologists alike. This is mainly due to its varying and unconventional presentations which may lead to initial misdiagnosis and prolongation of treatment. Here we describe an unusual case presenting with erythematous photosensitive facial lesions associated with erythromelalgia of the finger tips, provisionally diagnosed as SLE. A subsequent histopathology examination proved it to be Hansens' disease Borderline Tuberculoid variety. Hansen's disease can be termed as the modern great imitator, displacing the traditional great imitator, syphilis.

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