Pretty leprosy is the rarest form of lepromatous leprosy which is characterized by a shiny myxoedematous skin. It is a reaction pattern that occurs in untreated pure primitive diffuse lepromatous leprosy. The shiny appearance of skin has named this rare disease as Pretty Leprosy. This article gives a short overview of Pretty Leprosy. Pretty leprosy is also known as ‘The diffuse leprosy of Lucio and Letapi’ or ‘Diffuse Lepromatous leprosy’.
It was first reported by Lucio (Mexican doctor) and Alvarado in 1852 and re-identified by Letapi in 1936. Pretty leprosy is the rare and severe form of Hansen’s disease which occurs in untreated pure primitive diffuse lepromatous leprosy and characterized by shiny myxoedematous skin which covers the natural wrinkles. This unique symptom has named this diseases as Pretty leprosy. This severe form of leprosy renders a moist myxoedematous complexion…
