Leprosy Symptoms
Once the person is affected with the bacteria it takes three to five years for the symptoms to appear and it mainly affects the skin and the peripheral nervous system ( nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). It also affects the eyes and the thin lining of the nose.
The three main symptoms of leprosy are:
- Skin sores, skin lesions, and red patches
- Numbness and tingling sensation in hands and feet
- Muscle weakness
The other symptoms of the disease are:
- Enlarged peripheral nerves
- Thick and stiff skin
- Nosebleeds and nasal congestion
- Loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
- Paralysis
- Permanent damage to hands and feet
- Loss of vision
- Lumps or swellings on the face and ears.
What is Leprosy?
Leprosy, also called Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the slow-growing bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, and mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract. Leprosy is broadly categorized into paucibacillary (tuberculoid) and multibacillary (lepromatous) forms, each with distinct clinical presentations and implications. Leprosy symptoms include skin lesions, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. Multi-antibiotic therapy, including drugs like rifampicin and dapsone, is effective in treating leprosy, particularly when diagnosed and treated early.
Table of Content
- What is Leprosy Disease?
- What Causes Leprosy?
- How is Leprosy Transmitted?
- Leprosy Symptoms
- Types of Leprosy Disease
- Diagnosis of Leprosy
- What are the Complications of Leprosy?
- Leprosy Treatment