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Pruritus in leprosy: an overlooked symptom
Shraddha Uprety1, Pratichya Thapa1, Prajwal Pudasaini2
1Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal.
Skin Health and Disease
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Hansen disease, or leprosy, can cause itchy skin lesions, challenging diagnosis. Recognizing pruritus is key for early detection and preventing complications, especially in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Hansen disease (leprosy) is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
- It typically affects the skin and peripheral nerves, presenting as hypoaesthetic or anaesthetic lesions.
- Pruritus is an uncommon symptom in leprosy, often leading to diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of leprosy presenting with a pruritic skin lesion.
- To emphasize the importance of considering pruritus as a potential leprosy symptom.
- To highlight the need for early diagnosis in endemic areas.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 57-year-old woman with a pruritic skin lesion.
- Clinical presentation analysis.
- Diagnostic considerations for pruritic dermatological conditions.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a pruritic skin lesion, initially causing diagnostic uncertainty.
- Leprosy was diagnosed despite the unusual symptom of pruritus.
- This case underscores the variability in leprosy presentation.
Conclusions:
- Pruritus can be an atypical manifestation of Hansen disease (leprosy).
- Early recognition of pruritus in leprosy is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Increased awareness is needed, particularly in leprosy-endemic regions, to avoid diagnostic delays and complications.
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