28/01/2024
As we celebrate today, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and all the advocates against the battle of leprosy, we also partake in this endeavor by sharing basic and relevant information in relation to this disease. May this help us be aware and encouraged to partake in this battle in comforting the sick and advancing our communities with the right skills and competencies in handling this fight, first by sharing and reading information about the disease.
WHAT IS LEPROSY?
it is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It predominantly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.
Leprosy is not highly contagious and is mainly transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. It is not spread through casual contact, and the patient stops transmitting the disease when they begin treatment.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
1. Numbness of affected areas of the skin.
2. Muscle weakness or paralysis, especially in the hands and feet.
3. Enlarged nerves.
4. Discolored patches of skin that may be numb and look faded.
5. Growths (nodules) on the skin.
6. Thick, stiff, or dry skin.
7. Painless ulcers on the soles of feet.
8. Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes.
9. Paralysis and crippling of hands and feet in advanced stages.
10. Shortening of toes and fingers due to reabsorption.
11. Blindness.
12. Loss of sensation, which can lead to injuries going unnoticed.
13. Other complications such as painful or tender nerves, redness and pain around the affected area, and burning sensation in the skin.
ETIOLOGY
Leprosy is curable and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. It is not highly contagious and is mainly transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. The disease is not spread through casual contact, and the patient stops transmitting the disease when they begin treatment.
The disease is clinically characterized by one or more of the three cardinal signs: hypopigmented or erythematous skin patches with definite loss of sensation, thickened peripheral nerves, and acid-fast bacilli detected on skin smears or biopsy material. Leprosy is diagnosed by finding at least one of these signs.
TREATMENT
The currently recommended treatment regimen for leprosy consists of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine, also known as multi-drug therapy (MDT). The duration of treatment is six months for paucibacillary (PB) leprosy and 12 months for multibacillary (MB) leprosy. MDT is the only effective treatment for leprosy, and it kills the pathogen and cures the patient.
In addition to MDT, patients may also take anti-inflammatory drugs to control nerve pain and damage, such as steroids like prednisone. In some cases, doctors may treat leprosy with thalidomide, a potent medication that suppresses the immune system and helps treat skin nodules. However, thalidomide is known to cause severe, life-threatening birth defects, so it should not be taken by pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant.
PREVENTION
The prevention of leprosy primarily involves early diagnosis and treatment, as well as maintaining hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. There is no specific vaccine available to prevent leprosy. However, the vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), called the BCG vaccine, may provide some protection against leprosy due to the close relation between the bacteria that cause leprosy and TB.
To prevent leprosy, the following measures can be taken:
1. Maintain good hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding contact with untreated cases of leprosy.
2. Keep a safe distance from individuals with visible skin lesions or nerve damage, as they may be infected with the bacteria that cause leprosy.
3. Seek early medical attention if you notice any symptoms of leprosy, such as skin lesions, nerve pain, or hair loss.
4. Follow the recommended treatment regimen for leprosy, which currently includes multi-drug therapy (MDT) consisting of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
The World Health Organization provides free treatment for all people with leprosy, and the disease is curable with early intervention.
Links of the References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/index.html
https://www.who.int/health-topics/leprosy
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/leprosy-symptoms-treatments-history
https://www.leprosymission.org/what-is-leprosy/
https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/symptoms/index.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/leprosy-symptoms-treatments-history
https://www.who.int/health-topics/leprosy
https://www.leprosymission.org/what-is-leprosy/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
https://www.leprosymission.org/what-is-leprosy/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3440852/
https://www.who.int/health-topics/leprosy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23043-leprosy-hansens-disease
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/leprosy
https://www.leprosymission.org/what-is-leprosy/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
Citations:
World Health Organization: WHO. (2023b, January 27). Leprosy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
World Health Organization: WHO. (2020b, April 6). Leprosy (Hansen disease). https://www.who.int/health-topics/leprosy
Miller, K. (2011, March 8). Leprosy: causes, symptoms, and treatment. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/leprosy-symptoms-treatments-history
What is leprosy? - Leprosy Mission International. (n.d.). Leprosy Mission International. https://www.leprosymission.org/what-is-leprosy/
World Health Organization: WHO. (2023c, January 27). Leprosy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
World Health Organization: WHO. (2020c, April 6). Leprosy (Hansen disease). https://www.who.int/health-topics/leprosy
Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Leprosy (Hansenβs disease). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23043-leprosy-hansens-disease
World Health Organization: WHO. (2023d, January 27). Leprosy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Leprosy (Hansenβs disease). Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/leprosy
What is leprosy? - Leprosy Mission International. (n.d.-b). Leprosy Mission International. https://www.leprosymission.org/what-is-leprosy/
World Health Organization: WHO. (2023e, January 27). Leprosy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy
Researched and edited by: Rtr. Peter John R. Espelita
