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Marked by stigma, inked by belief: tattooing in leprosy - a community perspective
Nimisha Kabra1, Rajesh Sinha1, Aditya Abhishek Jaiswal2
1Department of Dermatology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India.
Introduction:
Leprosy remains a public health challenge in India, not merely due to medical reasons but because of persistent stigma and deep-rooted cultural beliefs that influence health-seeking behaviour. This case report describes a 28-year-old woman with borderline tuberculoid leprosy who delayed seeking medical care due to cultural beliefs.
Result:
After an 8-month delay in seeking medical care, the patient presented with a hypopigmented, hypoesthetic patch over the right knee, along with thickening of the right common peroneal nerve. Notably, two sets of intersecting tattoo lines were observed over the lesion applied by a traditional healer in an attempt to contain the disease. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of borderline tuberculoid leprosy, and high-resolution ultrasonography corroborated peripheral nerve involvement. The patient was subsequently given multidrug therapy for multibacillary leprosy, adult regimen for 12 months and received detailed counselling on disease management.
Discussion:
The case highlights how cultural practices can hinder early diagnosis and effective management. Culturally sensitive health education is essential to combat stigma and improve leprosy control.
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