Paresthesia in leprosy

Leprosy Mailing List,
May 30th, 2009
Ref.: Paresthesia in leprosy
From: Dhakal K. P., Biratnagar, Nepal

Dear All,

It is interesting topic which is being discussed about itching in leprosy.

As it is obvious itching is not the sign of leprosy, rather usually field workers use the itching sign for differentiating other skin conditions from leprosy. As it has already been explained by many members of the LML, accompanying itchy skin disorders may give the impression of itchy leprosy to some clinicians.

During my 18 years of involvement in the field of leprosy I have noticed that some patients interpret feeling of paresthesia as itching. So the clinicians must be very cautious to label some feelings or interpretations of patients as itching in leprosy.

Dr K P Dhakal
Dermatologist-Leprologist
Netherlands Leprosy Relief Nepal