Clinicodermoscopic study of histoid leprosy: a case series

Histoid leprosy (HL) is a highly bacilliferous form of leprosy which requires early diagnosis and management. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic method for various malignant and nonmalignant disorders. The aim of this study was to describe the dermoscopic patterns of various types of HL lesions over different body parts.

This was a hospital-based observational study which evaluated the clinical and dermoscopic features of a series of patients with the diagnosis of HL. The diagnosis was confirmed clinically, histologically, and through the demonstration of bacilli. A handheld dermatoscope at 10x magnification in polarized mode was employed to examine multiple lesions over various body sites.

A total of four patients (three female, one male) were included. Papules were the most common type of lesion, and limbs were most frequently involved. Linear branching vessels and shiny white structures were present in all cases and in all lesion types. The linear branching vessels frequently presented in the form of crown vessels. Ulcerated lesions and umbilicated lesions also showed prominent vascularity. Follicular plugging was observed in the lesions over limbs.

Dermoscopy may aid in the diagnosis of HL by showing prominent dermoscopic features such as linear branching vessels and shiny white structures.