Lepromatous leprosy: nasal manifestations and treatment with minocycline.

Nasal involvement in lepromatous leprosy is universal and occurs early in the course of the disease. Nasal symptoms include obstruction, crusting, bleeding, and hyposmia. Traditional therapy with dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine is limited by its cost and toxicity. Minocycline hydrochloride, a tetracycline antibiotic with limited side effects, is promising as a new treatment for leprosy. A case is presented that highlights the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of lepromatous leprosy.