Leprosy evolves over a long period and after the time of contact it takes long time before pathological changes become evident. Prevention may be achieved by increasing the level of detection and controlling the risk factors. In this paper, the methods of prevention of leprosy are described. Primary prevention, or prophylaxis is of prime importance and this can be achieved by reducing an individual's susceptibility as well as by reducing his/her exposure to susceptible individuals. The former needs general health promotion, immunoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis. The latter is achieved by isolation and early detection of cases. A critical review of merits and demerits of these measures is presented. Secondary prevention is through early detection of cases and their prompt treatment. Tertiary prevention is the prevention of deformities and rehabilitation of those who are already disabled.

The present clinical study comprises of' lepromatous leprosy patients. In all these patients lepra reaction was noticed. These patients were previously taking sulphones. Patients were followed for two years and the results are given.

A clinical trial with topical retinoic acid 0.05% was undertaken on 43 patients with acne vulgarism. The response was assessed over a 12 weeks period. Drug proved very effective giving excellent to good response in 83.3% of cases. Local reaction was temporary and in most cases the treatment could be successfully continued with reduced frequency of applications. The drug was well accepted by patients.

A rare association of Waardenburg's syndrome and tuberculoid leprosy in a 13-year-old patient is described. This is an unrecorded feature in the literature. These two disorders are quite unrelated entities and their occurrence in the same patient is a casual one. All the classical features of Waardenburg's syndrome except deafness were present and the disease manifested as an isolated case in the family. The pertinent literature is briefly reviewed.

A case of naevoxanthoendothelioma juvenile xanthogranuloma) is reported with rare features like late onset of the disease, involvement of liver and diffuse cutaneous lesions including cafe au lait spots and pigmented naevus. Final diagnosis could be achieved only on histopathology report.

A case of amyloidosis secondary to lepromatous leprosy has been discussed. He had proteinuria, Congo red retention 64 per cent (first hour), hyperglobulinaemia and renal biopsy revealed amyloid deposits. Factors responsible for amyloidosis are highlighted.

A 45 years old married lady was admitted with spastic paraplegia of insidious onset without any sensory deficit. Serological studies of blood and CSF for syphilis were positive and cerebrospinal fluid showed increased cells and protein content. She responded well to parenteral penicillin therapy, showed gradual subjective improvement and appreciable decrease in cellular and protein content of the CSF. Her husband also was found to have latent syphilitic infection. Review of relevant literature showed no report of such paraplegia following syphilis in recent times. The case is being reported with a short discussion of the clinical features of neurosyphilis.

A case of mycosis fungoides - tumour d'emblee is reported and discussed. A leukaemoid reaction or transformation of mycosis fungoides to other forms of reticulosis is suggested as the probable cause for raised WBC count in our patient.