A Case Report: The Undiagnosed Leprosy Presents with Chronic Ulcers

บทคัดย่อ

Background: Leprosy is a rare infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, with an incubation period of 3–5 years. In its early stages, patients typically develop white or red patches on the skin, often accompanied by numbness in the affected areas. If the disease is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can progress, leading to complications and potential disabilities.

Objective: To study the symptoms, complications, and diagnostic process of leprosy.

Methodology: A review of leprosy case reports from patients treated at La-ngu Hospital was conducted. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted.

Results: This case study presents a 65-year-old female patient with no underlying conditions who sought treatment for chronic wounds on her hands and feet, persisting for over three years since April 2020. She received antibiotic treatment and wound care, but some wounds did not improve. As a result, the patient underwent amputation of her right little finger to prevent the risk of bloodstream infection. In March 2023, she was diagnosed with Lepromatous leprosy (LL). After receiving leprosy treatment, her chronic wounds gradually improved.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates how a patient with chronic wounds was diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy (LL) later than expected, which resulted in needless complications, including amputation. Early detection and effective treatment of LL greatly accelerated wound healing and stopped the disease's progression.