What are the Complications of Leprosy?
If the disease is not treated on time it can lead to various complications like permanent damage to skin, feet, nerves, legs, and eyes. The other complications include:
- Hair loss
- Infertility
- Vision loss or glaucoma
- Iritis
- Disfiguration of the face that includes permanent swelling, lumps, and bumps
- Muscle weakness that causes claw-like hands and feet also loses flexibility
- Chronic nose-bleeds due to the permanent damage caused to the inner lining of the nose
- Kidney failure
- Nerve damage causes loss of sensation
Also Read: Difference Between Left and Right Kidney
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