OBJECTIVES: Netherton's syndrome (NS) is a rare autosomal recessive condition, 
first described in 1958, which involves a complex immunological dysfunction, 
ichthyosiform dermatitis, and erythroderma, characteristic defects of the hair 
shaft and atopy. Recurrent bacterial infection in the skin of patients with NS 
is frequent.
METHODS: This paper represents the first case report of leprosy and concurrent 
NS.
DISCUSSION: This case merits discussion among doctors in endemic and non-endemic 
areas to evaluate the chronic use of systemic corticosteroids as a risk factor 
for leprosy. The present patient came from an endemic area of leprosy and was 
treated chronically with systemic corticosteroids for erythroderma. This 
treatment, along with the immunodeficiency related to the syndrome and caused by 
a genetic mutation in SPINK5, may be a facilitating factor for the infection.