Intranasal anaesthesia in lepromatous leprosy.

Intranasal sensation was assessed in a group of 25 lepromatous leprosy patients. It was found that 17 patients showed partial or complete impairment of intranasal common sensation. The intranasal anaesthesia is found to be related to the advancement of intranasal disease. Loss of sensation may lead to repeated trauma, ulceration and epistaxis, due to repeated 'picking' of the nose in an attempt to remove the crustings. It is suggested therefore, that the lepromatous leprosy patient should be taught to take care of the nose just as they are instructed in the care of their hands and feet.