Noma (cancrum oris)

Abstract

Noma is an opportunistic infection promoted by extreme poverty. It evolves rapidly from a gingival inflammation to grotesque orofacial gangrene. It occurs worldwide, but is most common in sub-Saharan Africa. The peak incidence of acute noma is at ages 1-4 years, coinciding with the period of linear growth retardation in deprived children. Noma is a scourge in communities with poor environmental sanitation. It results from complex interactions between malnutrition, infections, and compromised immunity. Diseases that commonly precede noma include measles, malaria, severe diarrhoea, and necrotising ulcerative gingivitis. The acute stage responds readily to antibiotic treatment. The sequelae after healing include variable functional and aesthetic impairments, which require reconstructive surgery. Noma can be prevented through promotion of national awareness of the disease, poverty reduction, improved nutrition, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 3-6 months of life, optimum prenatal care, and timely immunisations against the common childhood diseases.