Background:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Its clinical presentation varies according to the host immune response and may be subtle, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Dermoscopy has recently gained importance as a non-invasive tool that helps in the early detection and better visualization of characteristic cutaneous changes. This study aimed to evaluate the dermoscopic and histopathological features across the entire spectrum of leprosy and to assess the role of dermoscopy in improving diagnostic accuracy and classification.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a period of one year. A total of 72 newly diagnosed leprosy patients aged 5–80 years were enrolled after ethical clearance. Each patient underwent clinical examination followed by dermoscopic assessment using DermLite DL4 (10×, polarized and non-polarized modes). A skin biopsy was performed from the same lesion to study the histopathological features. Data were analyzed using openEpi software.
Result:
Among 72 patients (60 males, 12 females), the most common type was Borderline Tuberculoid (n=28), followed by Borderline Lepromatous (n=21). Dermoscopic findings included reduced follicular and eccrine openings, distorted pigment network, orange-yellow background, white fibrotic streaks, and hair changes. These correlated well with histopathological findings and varied by leprosy type and lesion morphology. Vascular structures were prominently seen in tuberculoid and histoid forms.
Conclusion:
Dermoscopy serves as a valuable adjunct to clinical and histopathological evaluation in leprosy. It enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly in early or atypical cases, by revealing subtle morphological changes.
}, year = {2025}, journal = {IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology }, pages = {1-5}, month = {12/2025}, url = {https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/131604458/ijced_journal_volume_11_issue_4_article_25696-libre.pdf?1770185117=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DDermoscopic_and_Clinico_pathological_fea.pdf&Expires=1772467117&Signature=XJwRDEdnFxpFwQR}, language = {ENG}, }