Leprosy,known as Hansens Disease, is a disease from ancient times that still exists today.
It affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucosal membranes.
More than 16 million people have beencuredof this disabling, disfiguring disease since treatments became available in the 1980s.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Today, all three are used together to treat leprosy in people.
That means it can be transmitted from animals to people.
This article explains the causes and symptoms of leprosy.
Stephen J. Boitano / Getty Images
Symptoms vary based on what body part is affected.
Symptoms related to the skin include:
If left untreated, leprosy can cause nerve damage.
This usually begins as a sense of numbness in spots where nerves are involved.
The National Hansens Disease Program makes the first connection between leprosy and animals in 2011.
It has been curable since 1981, and the damage can be limited if people seek treatment fast enough.
Another test used for diagnosis is a skin smear.
A small cut is made in the skin, and a small amount of tissue fluid is taken.
This also is put under a microscope to confirm the presence of leprosy bacteria.
Treatment
The good news is that leprosy is curable.
This treatment may take six months to a year.
WHO has made these antibiotics free since 1995.
This is treated with medication.
Today, antibiotics and good skin care prevent the disease from destroying the body.
Perhaps in the future, a vaccine will eliminate it altogether.
Summary
Leprosy is an ancient disease with a historical stigma attached.
Yet its also a modern disease, with thousands of cases yearlyincluding some in the developed world.
Fortunately, people respond well to treatment where it is available.
But thats not true.
What it does mean is that leprosy may seem obvious in another country but get missed in the U.S.
If you have reason to think its leprosy, insist that a healthcare provider checks for that.
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doi:10.1590/S1678-9946201961044
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