BACKGROUND: Lucio's phenomenon is a rare leprosy reaction characterised by 
bizarrely-shaped, purpuric skin lesions and ulceration. It occurs in diffuse 
lepromatous leprosy and it is mainly reported in patients from Mexico and the 
Caribbean.
CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the case of a 90-year-old Aruban man with 
recurrent leg ulcers and flexion contractures of the lower extremities. 
Occurrence of Lucio's phenomenon led to a diagnosis of diffuse lepromatous 
leprosy. Presence of Mycobacterium leprae was demonstrated in skin, bone marrow 
and lymph nodes.
CONCLUSION: Lucio's phenomenon led to a diagnosis of leprosy. Leprosy is still 
endemic in Aruba.