@article{24646,
  keywords = {leprosy, Light-touch sensation},
  author = {Marta S N and Sgavioli C and Saraiva P P and Carvalho R S and Nogueira M G A and Monti F C and Virmond M},
  title = {Evaluation of light-touch sensation in the buccal mucosa of leprosy patients.},
  abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the light-touch sensation of the oral mucosa in leprosy patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 228 adults, 133 being leprosy patients and 95 normal controls. To assess light-touch sensation, the five-filament standard Semmes-Weinstein kit in eight regions of the oral mucosa was used. Chi-square test was used to verify the differences in responses between the studied groups.
RESULTS: Normal sensation was predominant in both groups, and diminished sensation was found also in the nonleprosy group. Normal controls showed diminished light-touch sensation in at least one point, which may be attributed to the definition of sensation normality. The chi-square test revealed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.43171). Severe diminished sensation was detected only in the leprosy group.
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that altered light-touch sensation in the oral cavity may not be a common feature in leprosy.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Decreased or lost sensation in skin lesions is a paramount in leprosy diagnosis; however, clinicians must be aware that this seems not to be true in the oral mucosa in leprosy cases for diagnosis purpose.},
  year = {2014},
  journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
  month = {2014 Jan 14},
  issn = {1436-3771},
  doi = {10.1007/s00784-013-1180-3},
  language = {eng},
}