Leprosy Training Module for Medical Officers

Points for ST in Palms & Soles
Summary
• Cardinal signs that help Leprosy are :
1. Hypo – pigmented or reddish skin lesion(s) with definite ( complete or
partial ) loss of sensation.
2. Involvement of peripheral nerves as demonstrated by definite thickening
with loss of sensation and weakness of the muscles of hands or feet.
• Examination of skin and nerves helps in identifying cardinal signs and
complications.
• One should examine the patches on the skin for site, number, colour, size
and sensory loss. These characteristics help in diagnosis of the disease and
grouping.
• One should examine the nerve for thickening, tenderness and loss of
function. Loss of function is identified by doing VMT and ST for the specific
nerves.
23