Effect of hand soaking on sensory testing.

This study investigates the effect of hand soaking on sensory testing scores in 58 patients with leprosy. Sensation was tested with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and scored. Patients were tested before and after soaking their hands in water for 30 minutes. A statistically significant improvement in sensory testing scores for individual nerve territories was noted. The importance of these findings should be considered when using sensory testing as an evaluative tool for nerve damage in leprosy.