Erythema Nodosum Leprosum during Lepromatous Leprosy

Abstract

Erythema nodosum leprosum is a type II leprosy reaction that appears in multibacillary patients, with increased malaise, fever, new lesions onset, and damage to peripheral nerve trunks. The case is presented of a 49-year-old male patient, of white skin, from Cauto Cristo Municipality (Granma Province, Cuba), and current residence in Calimete Municipality (Matanzas Province, Cuba). He attends the Dermatology consultation for presenting skin lesions with a two-month evolution. Lepromatous leprosy is diagnosed through clinical examination, baciloscopy and biopsy. Polychemotherapy is started, as the World Health Organization establishes for uninterrupted multibacillary infection. During this time, the patient presented two reactional states (the first was mild and the second was severe), with hospital admission. At the moment, the patient is under monthly control in the health area of Calimete, and under monitoring in the provincial multidisciplinary consultation of leprosy. The case is presented due to the importance of making the correct diagnosis of reactional states in order to apply appropriate treatment.