Introduction: Leprosy remains a public health challenge in India, not merely due to medical reasons but because of persistent stigma and deep-rooted cultural beliefs that influence health-seeking behaviour. This case report describes a 28-year-old woman with borderline tuberculoid leprosy who delayed seeking medical care due to cultural beliefs. Result: After an 8-month delay in seeking medical care, the patient presented with a hypopigmented, hypoesthetic patch over the right knee, along with thickening of the right common peroneal nerve. Notably, two sets of intersecting tattoo lines were observed over the lesion applied by a traditional healer in an attempt to contain the disease. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of borderline tuberculoid leprosy, and high-resolution ultrasonography corroborated peripheral nerve involvement. The patient was subsequently given multidrug therapy for multibacillary leprosy, adult regimen for 12 months and received detailed counselling on disease management. Discussion: The case highlights how cultural practices can hinder early diagnosis and effective management. Culturally sensitive health education is essential to combat stigma and improve leprosy control.
Kabra et al. (Tue,) studied this question.