What is leprosy?

Leprosy also called Hansen’s disease caused by a bacillus called Mycobacterium leprae (a relative of TB) was first discovered by Dr Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen of Norway way back in 1873.

what is leprosy?

Leprosy also called Hansen’s disease caused by a bacillus called Mycobacterium leprae (a relative of TB) was first discovered by Dr Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen of Norway way back in 1873. Leprosy affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, causing discoloration and lumps on the skin and, in severe cases, disfigurement and deformities.

What causes leprosy?

Leprosy is brought on by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. In addition to infecting the skin and damaging the nerves, it can also damage the eyes and nose. It is most common in places of poverty.

What are leprosy symptoms?

After being exposed to the illness, leprosy symptoms may take a while to manifest. It typically lasts between three and five years but  it can also  last up to twenty years.The infection spreads from person to person by nasal secretions or droplets.The time between contact with the bacteria and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period.  Some Signs of leprosy are painless ulcers, skin lesions of hypopigmented macules (flat, pale areas of skin), and your peripheral nerves.Additionally, muscular weakness or paralysis brought on by nerve injury results in:

How is leprosy treated?

Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective.  The treatments include:

Multi drug therapy

Leprosy can be cured with multi-drug therapy (MDT), a combination of three antibiotics: rifampin, clofazimine and dapsone. Treatment can take from six months to 12 months sometimes longer.People are no longer contagious after about one week of this treatment . 

Reconstructive surgery

Amazing medical advancements have made it possible for us to assist leprosy-related disabilities in many different ways. Surgery and physical therapy can frequently restore a clawed hand or foot drop, but they cannot restore feeling. 

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