Lucio Phenomenon: Sequelae of Neglected Leprosy

    January 2020 in “ Korean Journal of Family Medicine ”
    Siti Nuryati Che Ya, Rosediani Muhamad, Rosnani Zakaria, Azlina Ishak, Wan Noor Hasbee Wan Abdullah
    TLDR Early diagnosis of leprosy is crucial to prevent disabilities and spread, even in non-endemic areas.
    The Lucio phenomenon is a severe leprosy reaction associated with lepromatous leprosy, primarily found in Mexico and Costa Rica, but with sporadic cases elsewhere. A case was reported of a 50-year-old Indonesian man in Malaysia with extensive limb ulcers and a 16-year history of skin changes and alopecia, diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy with Lucio phenomenon. The study highlighted the importance of early diagnosis to prevent disabilities and disease transmission, emphasizing that primary care practitioners should recognize this condition even in non-endemic areas, as leprosy is highly curable.
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