Noma (cancrum oris) in human immunodeficiency virus acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients: Report of eight cases

Purpose: This article describes the clinical features and management of noma (cancrum oris) in HIV/AIDS patients. Patients and Methods: Eight HIV/AIDS patients were studied, Clinical presentation was different in all of the cases, Conservative debridement under local anesthesia with an antibiotic was performed. Results: Satisfactory resolution of the acute phase of this dangerous infection was achieved. Conclusion: Minimal but thorough debridement of necrotic tissue along with lavage with povidone-iodine is effective in controlling this infective process. However, long-term sequelae of noma are not possible because of the underlying HIV infection from which the patients inevitably soon succumbs.