Lepromatous leprosy masquerading as rhinophyma

Abstract

Leprosy a major global health problem, especially in the developing world, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy has a predilection to with cooler areas of the body. Lepromatous leprosy presents with varied manifestations like nodules, cervical lymphadenitis, hyperpigmented patches and other presentations which can mimic various other diseases and pose a diagnostic challenge in endemic areas. We report a case presenting with nodular infiltration of the nose mimicking rhinophyma who presented with faint reddish swelling over the nose which progressed to nodular infiltration. There was bilateral symmetrical thickening of nerves following which diagnosis was confirmed by slit skin smear and the patient was started on multibacillary multidrug therapy. The importance of rightly diagnosing cases presenting as nodules that mimic rhinophyma is important because of the infectious nature of the disease which pose a threat to the community.