Leprosy is an infectious disease which affects the skin and the nerves. It is coming back mainly through imported cases…despite having being forgotten for a long time. It is prevalent in India and these common manifestations is why dermatology is taught together with leprosy (as it is with syphilis in many countries). In other words,…
DetailsLeprosy is a poorly understood infectious disease which leads to important discrimination. Although cases still occur Vietnam was met the WHO criteria for disease elimination in 2000. Out of the 87 million people living in Vietnam, there were 1336 cases reported in 2001; in 2012 this number fell to 296 cases. Leprosy in Vietnam –…
DetailsBasal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is less common in the Asian population Pigmented variants are more common which suggests that PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) is not the most recommendable treatment for this population group The study concerned 45 patients with 95 lesions and included only those with phototypes IV and V: clearance rate at 4 months was…
DetailsHistorical Events in the treatment of Hansen’s disease (Leprosy). 1943 – Paget reported promin treatment (sulphone) 1949 – dapsone introduced 1981 – MDT (Multi Drug Therapy) introduced 1964 – Dapsone resistance reported 1976 – Rifampicin resistance reported 2005 – Quinolone resistance reported 2007 – Cases of Resistance to MDT in 2007 reported 2009 – The…
DetailsIndications for PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) generally speaking include: Actinic Keratosis (AK): in Asian patients few studies are available One study enrolled 43 patients with 58 AK (located on the face) 85% cleared after 1 treatment at 4 weeks follow-up. Bowen’s disease (Squamous-Cell Carcinoma in situ): in a Singaporean study 43 patients were recruited lesions were…
DetailsClaw hand is the most common deformity in leprosy: It is due to paralysis of the intrinsic muscles hand which is innervated by the median and/or ulnar nerves. Leads to hyperextension of MCP (metacarophalangeal) joints and flexion of the IP (interphalangeal) joints. Management consists of occupational therapy and/or reconstruction surgery. In this case report from…
DetailsActinic Keratosis (AK) in Japan: tend to be multiple 20% evolve into Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) clinical types: macular, horn, papular, actinic cheilitis. All types can be pigmented: atypical keratinocytes containing melanin granules in the cytoplasm Aging of AK and histological caracteristics: early AKs: no parakeratosis atypical keratinocytes limited to the basal layer no budding…
DetailsLeprosy is a debilitating infectious disease prevalent in Brazil, India and Vietnam. The Authors sought to assess disabilities and impairment of quality of life in Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam. Study: 160 patients with leprosy induced disabilites answered a questionnaire WHO quality of life-BREFassessment questionnaire Results from the BREF questionnaire; scores: physical subdomain score …
DetailsBeware of skin colored tattooos (e.g around the mouth): Why ? There is high risk of pigment darkening upon removal (eg Q switched laser): thie pigment turns black (oxydation reaction) Solution: use COs laser ablation: superficial Beware of gold: Why ? if gold therapy was used for treatment of rhematoid arthririts, chrysiasis (deposit of…
DetailsLeprosy is not yet 100% eliminated but improving thanks to MDT (Multidrug Therapy)…but less and less aattention is devoted to it (only 25 attendees are present) Leprosy is part of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) according to the WTO http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/en/) There are 3 in Indonesia when compared with Brazil The 3 NTD’s in Indonesia are…
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