Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by the bacterial “leprae”. Leprosy is also known as (Hansen’s Disease) named after Dr. Hansen discovered the bacteria in 1783, but the disease has been around since 600 B.C. Skin lesions are the primary external symptom, if left untreated, leprosy can be progressive, causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Contrary to popular belief, leprosy does not actually cause body parts to simply fall off.
Causes
- By bacteria leprae probably enter the body through the nose and possibly through broken skin from others have leprosy.
- Untreated syphilis disease could possible cause leprosy.
Signs and Symptoms
- Redness, darker or lighter spot than skin.
- A few well-defined skin lesions are num or lost sensation.
- Chronically stuffy nose and many skin lesions and nodules on both sides of the body.
Treatment
With modern medical technology, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy is easy and most endemic countries are striving to fully integrate leprosy services into existing general health services. leprosy treatment has been made available by WHO free of charge to all patients worldwide since 1995, and provides a simple yet highly effective cure for all types of leprosy.
Information campaigns about leprosy in high risk areas are crucial so that patients and their families, who were historically ostracized from their communities, are encouraged to come forward and receive treatment. The most effective way of preventing disabilities in leprosy, as well as preventing further transmission of the disease, lies in early diagnosis and treatment with leprosy.
- Patients with leprosy should be treated by a specialized leprosy or skin doctors will give a description of combination of three antibiotics such as dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine for 6 months or 2 years in severe cases. leprosy will be cure.
