Leprosy
Mailing List, May 22nd, 2009
Ref.:
Pruritus as a possible premonitory symptom of leprosy
From:
Pai V. V., Ganapati R., Mumbai, India
Dear
Dr Noto,
With
the exception of a few responders who have pointed out pruritus as a
possible premonitory symptom
of leprosy, others have explained in detail about associated skin
diseases.
We
agree with remarks from these experts as regards other skin
conditions. However, the
object of pointing out our experience with patients complaining of a
subjective feeling of itching as the presenting symptom in leprosy
patients is restricted to those
un-associated with other conditions causing pruritus. We
appreciate that some observers have noticed this symptom prior to the
occurrence of lesions due to reactions and relapses.
Moreover,
we would like to have some light to be thrown on the patho-physiology
of this phenomenon rarely encountered exclusively
in leprosy.
Regards,
Dr
VV Pai
Director
Bombay
Leprosy Project
and
Dr
R Ganapati
Director
Emeritus, BLP
