Is leprosy curable?  Yes, it is curable with the help of multidrug therapy (MDT). Leprosy is a terrible and progressive bacterial infection which is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the nerves of the extremities, the skin, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract. It is also known as Hansen’s disease.

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It produces skin ulcers, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. If it isn’t treated properly, it can cause severe disfigurement and significant disability. This is one of the oldest diseases. It is very common in many countries, especially those with tropical or subtropical climates.

What is Leprosy?

It is a long-term infection by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It spreads between people, but still, extensive contact is necessary. Spread is thought to occur through a cough or contact with fluid from the nose of an infected person. It appears more common among those who live in poverty.

What are the Types of Leprosy?

There are 3 types of leprosy:

1.Tuberculoid Leprosy

In Tuberculoid, the immune system response is good. This disease is mild and only mildly contagious.

2. Lepromatous Leprosy

In lepromatous, the immune system response is bad. It also affects the skin, nerves, and other organs. This form of the disease is more contagious.

3. Borderline leprosy

In Borderline, there are clinical features of both tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy. It is considered as a combination of the above mentioned two types.

What are the Symptoms of Leprosy?

There are mainly 11 symptoms such as:

1. Muscle weakness

2.Numbness in the hands, feet, legs, and arms.

3.Eye problems

4. Patches of skin

5. Pale skin, Pinkish patches

6. Enlarged nerves like- Elbows and knees.

7.Stuffy nose and nosebleeds.

8.Redness

9. Skin Lesions

10.Muscle pain

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What are the Complications of Leprosy?

These are the various complication of the disease:

1. Disfigurement

2. Hair loss, from the eyebrows and eyelashes

3. Muscle weakness

4. Nerve damage in the arms and legs

5. Inability to use hands and feet

6.Terrible nasal congestion, nosebleeds

7. Iritis

8. Glaucoma (an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve)

9. Blindness

10.Erectile dysfunction (ED)

11. Infertility

12.Kidney Failure

How to Treat Leprosy?

These anti-biotic helps to cure:

1. Dapsone (Aczone)

2. Rifampin (Rifadin)

3.Clofazimine (Lamprene)

4.Minocycline (Minocin)

5. Ofloxacin (Ocuflux)

What are the Preventions of Leprosy?

The best ways to prevent this disease are the early diagnosis and treatment of the condition in people to whom the disease has been transmitted.

1.Providing education and self-care support

2. Monitoring the condition and its symptoms on an on-going basis and referring to severe cases.

3. Managing day-to-day injuries and disabilities that develop.

4. Educate locals about injury prevention and wound cleaning.

Conclusion

Today we have talked about Leprosy, its types, symptoms, complications, treatment, and preventions as well. As we know leprosy have been increasing day by day and it’s harmful to your body. The easy way to cure this disease is to take proper medications. If you ever feel any noticeable sign of this disease consult a doctor as earliest as you can.

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