Leprosy Learning Center

Advertisement

Welcome

Leprosy is an infectious disease that has been known since biblical times. It is characterized by disfiguring skin sores, peripheral nerve damage, and progressive debilitation.

Basic Info

Symptoms
Symptoms include: Numbness or absent sensation in the hands, arms, feet, and legs; Muscle weakness.
Causes
Leprosy is caused by the organism Mycobacterium leprae. It is not very contagious (difficult to transmit) and has a lon...
Tests
Lepromin skin test can be used to distinguish lepromatous from tuberculoid leprosy, but is not used for diagnosis; Skin...
Treatments
A number of different antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that causes the disease. Aspirin, prednisone, or thalid...
Drugs
  • aspirin
  • clofazimine
  • dapsone
Supplements
  • Zinc
  • zinc acetate
  • zinc arginate
Risk Factors
  • Contact With Infected Person
  • travelers visiting affected countries
Complications
Permanent nerve damage; Cosmetic disfigurement.
Prevention
Prevention consists of avoiding close physical contact with untreated people. People on long-term medication become non...
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider if signs or symptoms described here occur, especially following exposure. Cases of lepro...

Basic Info

Advertisement
Back to Top