The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy for Wound Healing in Leprosy Patients

Clinic-Epidemiological Evaluation of Ulcers in Leprosy Patients and the Use of Low Level Laser Therapy: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Neuropathic ulcers are common sequelae of leprosy. The objectives of this study are to analyze the clinic-epidemiological characteristics of patients attended at one specialized dressing service from a leprosy-endemic region of the Brazilian Amazon and to evaluate the effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on wound healing of these patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• presented with neuropathic ulcer
• attended at least 3 weekly appointments at the dressing service of UREMC
• completed specific multi-drug therapy for M. leprae
• gave written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• clinically detectable infection in the ulcer
• use of drugs, like corticosteroids that could interfere with the wound healing process
• use of special dressings like hydrocolloid, calcium alginate, activated carbon or any kind of therapeutic procedure different from that used routinely for both groups of study
• non-attendance to therapeutic program (six sequential times or nine intercalated)
• pregnancy
• discomfort during treatment procedure