Smooth leprosy refers to a subtype or form of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. Smooth leprosy is characterized by its distinct clinical presentation, where the patient exhibits smooth skin lesions or patches without any sensory or neurological involvement.
The term "smooth" in smooth leprosy refers to the absence of the typical skin abnormalities commonly seen in other types of leprosy, such as nodules, plaques, or thickening. Instead, smooth leprosy lesions appear as hypopigmented or erythematous macules, resembling flat and smooth patches on the skin. These patches are usually more visible on lighter skin tones due to the contrast in pigmentation. Although the skin lesions in smooth leprosy are devoid of any sensory changes, some mild itching or burning sensation may be present.
This unique subtype of leprosy is considered less severe compared to other forms, as it tends to progress slowly and may only affect a few areas of the body. Smooth leprosy lesions are commonly found on the face, arms, legs, and buttocks, but can occur anywhere on the body. The absence of nerve involvement distinguishes smooth leprosy from other variants, as nerve damage is a hallmark characteristic of the disease. Therefore, patients with smooth leprosy usually have no impairment in sensation, muscle weakness, or deformities.
Diagnosis of smooth leprosy involves a combination of clinical evaluation, identification of Mycobacterium leprae bacilli through microscopy or histopathology, and sometimes molecular testing. Treatment typically includes multi-drug therapy consisting of antibiotics such as dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine, which are administered for several months or years depending on
