Leprosy is a chronic communicable disease that remains to be endemic worldwide and children and adolescents are most vulnerable to infection. A 17-year-old Filipina presented with a 4-year history of multiple skin lesions evolving into various forms, associated with pain and deformity of extremities. She was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease, lepromatous type, in severe erythema nodosum leprosum. She was started on multi-drug therapy with Rifampicin, Clofazimine and Clarithromycin. There was remarkable improvement with arrested progression of skin lesions, conversion of wounds into granulation tissue, significant decrease in painful sensation, and gradual ability to move the extremities. Early recognition of leprosy and prompt initiation of treatment will ultimately prevent complications and disabilities in afflicted patients. A holistic approach is key in the management of children and adolescents with leprosy.
Leprosy ; Adolescent ; Philippines