Adhesive zinc tape treatment of uncomplicated ulcers amongst leprosy outpatients

Abstract

The operational feasibility of ordinary adhesive zinc tape treatment of ulcers under field conditions, was studied on 89 uncomplicated superficial ulcers amongst 50 leprosy outpatients. Deep ulcers with or without sinus and purulent discharge were not considered fit for tape treatment. All the 13 hand ulcers and 62 (82%) of the 76 plantar ulcers healed in 3·8±2·1 and 9·5±7·6 weeks of tape treatment, while patients were ambulatory. The tape treatment was found to be effective, economical, acceptable and convenient to patients, and operationally feasible. The available adhesive leucoblast may be used for ulcer treatment in field and hospital situations.