What are the main causes of leprosy?
Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).
How do you detect leprosy?
A skin biopsy is commonly used to diagnose Hansen’s disease. A skin biopsy involves removing a small section of skin for laboratory testing. If you have the symptoms of Hansen’s disease, a lepromin skin test may be ordered along with a biopsy to confirm both the presence and type of leprosy.
What are the symptoms of leprosy How is it spread?
The disease is curable with multidrug therapy. Leprosy is likely transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.
Who is at risk for leprosy?
Leprosy can develop at any age but appears to develop most often in people aged 5 to 15 years or over 30. It is estimated that more than 95% of people who are infected with Mycobacterium leprae do not develop leprosy because their immune system fights off the infection.
How does leprosy look like?
Signs of leprosy are painless ulcers, skin lesions of hypopigmented macules (flat, pale areas of skin), and eye damage (dryness, reduced blinking). Later, large ulcerations, loss of digits, skin nodules, and facial disfigurement may develop. The infection spreads from person to person by nasal secretions or droplets.
Can leprosy be painful?
If left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent damage to the nerves in the fingers, toes, hands, and feet. This may affect a person’s ability to feel pain and temperature in these areas of the body. When you can’t feel your fingers or toes, you may accidentally burn, cut, or hurt yourself.
What are the early signs of leprosy?
– Discolored patches of skin, usually flat, that may be numb and look faded (lighter than the skin around) – Growths (nodules) on the skin. – Thick, stiff or dry skin. – Painless ulcers on the soles of feet. – Painless swelling or lumps on the face or earlobes. – Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
What are the cardinal signs of leprosy?
– Acute, immunological complications may confuse clinical picture – Acute inflammation of lesions – Neuritis – Arthritis – Edema, loss of sensation and weakness in the hands or feet – Such patients often have seen other specialists before dermatologist referral
How to cure leprosy?
Lard
What are the stages of leprosy?
Adoption of Principles and Guidelines for elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members