@article{103880,
  keywords = {Clofazimine, clofazimine-induced pigmentation, skin discoloration, leprosy treatment, Barriers, Therapeutics},
  author = {Utami NN and Muchtar SV and Krismawati H and Patinggi AL and Rahardjani M and Mulyadi AN and Hasvitasari DE and Van Nuil JI and Walker SL and Soebono H and Grijsen ML},
  title = {Fear of clofazimine-induced skin discoloration as a barrier to leprosy treatment: urgent need for alternative therapeutic options},
  abstract = {<jats:p>Since 1982, the WHO recommends multi-drug therapy (MDT) fconsisting of three antibiotic drugs, namely rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine. While MDT is effective, its adverse effects are underrecognized. Clofazimine causes near-universal skin discoloration, and is a key barrier to treatment acceptance and adherence because it visibly discloses leprosy. Using two compelling case studies in which MDT was declined or discontinued due to fears that clofazimine-induced dyspigmentation would reveal leprosy status and harm family reputation, we highlight the challenges posed by clofazimine and the limited availability of alternative treatment options in resource-constrained settings.</jats:p>},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Clinical and Experimental Dermatology},
  pages = {1 - 5},
  month = {08/2026},
  publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)},
  issn = {0307-6938, 1365-2230},
  url = {https://academic.oup.com/ced/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/ced/llag349/70476194/llag349.pdf},
  doi = {10.1093/ced/llag349},
  language = {ENG},
}