Chronic pain in leprosy: new aspects to be considered.

Leprosy is still considered to be endemic in several developing countries, such as India and Brazil. Infection with Mycobacterium leprae leads to chronic granulomatous inflammation in skin and peripheral nerves that can lead to sensory, motor and autonomic impairments. Since the disease causes severe sensory loss, little attention has been given to pain in leprosy. However, chronic pain in leprosy is being increasingly recognized as an important late complication of leprosy. This article discusses the assessment of pain in leprosy and suggests factors that can contribute to the chronicity. We also consider pain as a multiple system output, bringing the possibility of new treatment options for chronic pain in leprosy.