When you say 'leprosy', you probably cringe a little, right? In the past, this disease was a disease that people were ostracized and feared when they got it. But in fact, now leprosy is a completely curable disease that is not easily transmitted. Let's talk about this in detail today.
Simply put, leprosy is a bacterial infection. It can mainly affect your nerves, skin, eyes, muscles, and respiratory system . Sometimes it can cause skin discoloration, numbness, and permanent disability if left untreated.
Does leprosy still exist in the world?
Yes, leprosy still exists in the world. About two hundred thousand new cases are reported every year. However, in some countries, for example, in countries like America, it is very rare. However, in Asian countries like ours, African and South American countries, this disease is still seen. Since leprosy cases are occasionally reported in Sri Lanka, it is wise to seek medical advice if you notice any unusual changes in your skin.
What are the symptoms of Hansen's Disease?
The symptoms of leprosy appear gradually. Sometimes symptoms may appear years, even decades, after the bacteria have entered the body . The main symptoms that can be seen are:
- Skin tags: These are different from normal skin. They may be discolored (pale), red, thickened, swollen, or numb . The edges of these tags may also appear raised.
- Red or purple bumps: The skin may appear as lumps or bumps in places.
- Painless wounds on the soles of the feet: Painless wounds can occur, especially on the soles of the feet. This is very dangerous, because you may not even realize that you have a wound, which can fester and grow larger.
- Swollen nerves: Some nerves may become swollen and feel tender when touched.
- Weakness or paralysis: Muscle weakness, and in some cases, loss of limb function (paralysis) can occur.
- Eyebrow or eyelid hair loss: This is also a symptom that some people experience.
- Vision problems: Vision may decrease and other eye problems may occur.
How is leprosy transmitted?
Leprosy is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. Doctors are still not 100% sure how it spreads from person to person. But it is most likely spread through droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes .
Yes, leprosy is a contagious disease. But it is much less likely to spread than you might think. To get leprosy, you have to be in close contact with an infected person for months . Also, most people's immune systems fight off the bacteria and keep it under control. The important thing is that once you start getting treatment for leprosy, you will not be able to spread the disease to anyone else.
Don't worry! Leprosy is not easily transmitted. Once treated, transmission stops completely.
Who is at higher risk of developing leprosy?
People who live in areas where leprosy is prevalent are at the highest risk. This includes parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Leprosy cases are also occasionally reported in Sri Lanka, so it is wise to seek medical advice if you notice any changes to your skin.
What are the possible complications of leprosy?
If leprosy is not treated properly, various complications can occur. Some of these can be permanent:
- Permanent paralysis.
- Permanent damage to the hands and feet: This can make it difficult to use them.
- Permanent changes in appearance: Changes to the face and skin may occur.
- Shortened fingers: The fingers of the limbs may become shortened and deformed.
- Non-healing wounds: Wounds, especially those in numb areas, may persist without healing.
- Blindness.
- Chronic pain.
This is why we say it is very important to see a doctor and begin treatment as soon as you notice symptoms .
How do doctors diagnose leprosy?
If you have symptoms of leprosy, a doctor will examine you. They will mainly:
- A physical examination: Your skin will be examined carefully, and you will be checked for numbness and swollen nerves.
- Taking a small piece of skin or nerve (Biopsy): To confirm the diagnosis, a small piece of skin (skin biopsy) may be taken and examined under a microscope. Sometimes a piece of nerve may also be taken.
- Other tests: Blood tests and nerve conduction tests may also be done.
Based on your symptoms, your doctor will tell you what type of leprosy you have. There are several main types:
- Tuberculoid leprosy / Paucibacillary leprosy: Symptoms are usually milder in this type. A few pale or red patches on the skin, mild muscle weakness, and a few numbness are common. The number of bacteria is low in this type.
- Lepromatous leprosy / Multibacillary leprosy: This type has more symptoms. Lesions and lumps can appear all over the body. Nerves, skin, and internal organs can be damaged. This is caused by a high number of bacteria.
- Borderline leprosy / Dimorphous leprosy: This may have a mixture of features from both types mentioned above.
How is leprosy treated?
This is the most important thing: Leprosy can be completely cured! Doctors use a combination of antibiotics, a treatment called Multidrug Therapy (MDT). This kills the bacteria.
The main antibiotics given are:
- `Dapsone`
- `Rifampin`
- `Clofazimine`
You will need to take this medicine continuously for 6 to 12 months (about a year) . Even if your symptoms improve, you should take the medicine exactly for the full time your doctor tells you. There is no need to isolate yourself from others while you are receiving treatment.
Sometimes, doctors may recommend surgery to remove the skin bumps and help with nerve damage.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice any skin lesions, numbness, or muscle weakness, see a doctor right away. Your doctor can determine if it is leprosy or another medical condition. Early detection makes treatment easier and reduces complications.
Imagine, there is a person named Nilanthi. She noticed a discolored, slightly numb spot on her hand. She ignored it. After a few days, the skin around the spot started to thicken. She was scared and went to see a doctor, only to learn that it was the beginning of leprosy. Fortunately, she was diagnosed early and quickly recovered with treatment.
Can leprosy be prevented?
As mentioned earlier, leprosy is not easily transmitted. However, if you are in close contact with someone with leprosy (for example, living in the same house), your doctor may recommend that you get tested once a year. This way, if you have an infection, it can be detected and treated before symptoms appear.
What happens if I have leprosy?
If you are diagnosed with leprosy, start treatment right away. The sooner you start treatment, the less likely you are to develop severe or permanent symptoms. Your doctor will monitor you for several years after treatment.
Antibiotics can cure the infection. However, the nerve damage and disability that leprosy has already caused can be permanent. Sometimes, this damage can worsen even years after treatment. That's why early detection and treatment are important.
What is the lifespan of a leper?
If treated properly, a person with mild leprosy can expect to live the same life span as a healthy person. However , if left untreated for a long time, leprosy can cause serious complications and even death.
Do leper colonies still exist?
Yes, some leprosy colonies still exist. In the past, people thought that leprosy patients should be isolated from others because of misconceptions and fears about the disease. But now we know that this is not true. Most patients are now treated on an outpatient basis, meaning at home. But some people still live in those colonies, perhaps because of the stigma of being ostracized, or because it has been in their homes for years.
In Sri Lanka, there used to be leprosy hospitals in places like Hendala and Manthivu. But now, because treatment methods have improved, such isolation is no longer necessary.
Is leprosy a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
No. Leprosy is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is thought to primarily infect the respiratory system.
Can armadillos spread leprosy?
Yes, some armadillos can. Some armadillo species in the southern United States and Mexico can carry the leprosy bacteria in their bodies and transmit it to humans. But this is very rare.
In the past, people were afraid of the word leprosy and shunned those who had it. The reason for this was that there was no proper understanding of the disease at that time. But today we know what causes leprosy, that it can be cured, and that it is not easily transmitted.
Sadly, some people still have misconceptions about the disease. Health professionals around the world are constantly working to eliminate this stigma and change the way people think about leprosy.
So, what are the things we should remember from this story?
- Leprosy is a bacterial infection, not a serious, mysterious disease.
- This can be completely cured with a treatment called ``Multidrug Therapy (MDT)''.
- Leprosy is not easily transmitted from person to person. It requires long-term close contact.
- Once you start receiving treatment, you will not be able to infect anyone else.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as skin discoloration, numbness, or muscle weakness. Early recognition can minimize complications.
- There is no reason to ostracize or fear lepers. They need our love, kindness, and support.
` Leprosy, Hansen's disease, skin diseases, nerve damage, treatment, transmission, symptoms, bacteria, infection, numbness, MDT
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