Leprosy Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Leprosy or leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The disease primarily attacks the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes.
In the past, this disease had become one of the most feared diseases. However, now it is known that leprosy is not transmitted easily and there are already effective treatments.
However, if left untreated, leprosy can cause nerve damage to disability and blindness.
Based on WHO, leprosy is classified based on two types, namely:
- Pausibacillary: 5 skin lesions, no bacilli on skin smear
- Multibacillary: >5 skin lesions, positive skin smear
The following is a complete explanation of what leprosy (leprosy) is.
| Medical specialist | Skin and genital specialist |
| Symptoms | Discolored and numb skin patches, red rash, skin nodules, painless swelling/lumps on face or earlobes |
| Risk Factors | Prolonged close contact, age, genetics, immunosuppression |
| Diagnosis | Medical interview, physical examination, examination of samples from the skin or nerves through a biopsy |
| Treatment | Drugs, surgery |
| Drug | Antibiotics (dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine) |
| Complications | Progressive and permanent damage of skin, nerves, limbs and eyes, paralysis of hands and feet, shortening of fingers and toes due to reabsorption, blindness |
| When to See a Doctor? | If there are complaints in the form of spots on the skin that are numb, accompanied by a history of close contact with lepers |
Symptoms
The incubation period for leprosy is on average 5 years. Symptoms may appear within one year to 20 years or more.
Symptoms of leprosy or leprosy that can be recognized include:
- Patches of skin that are discolored (lighter or darker) and numb
- A reddish rash
- Growths (nodules) on the skin
- Painless swelling or lump on the face or earlobe
Reason
The cause of leprosy or leprosy is the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This bacterium is a type of bacteria that replicates slowly.
Leprosy can be transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth, as well as close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
Risk Factors
Apart from M. leprae bacteria, there are several factors that increase the risk of leprosy, namely:
1. Prolonged close contact
Direct contact with untreated sufferers greatly increases the likelihood of developing this disease.
2. Age
Older people are more susceptible to contracting this disease.
3. Genetics
Genetic factors also play a role in a person’s immunological response.
4. Immunosuppression
The condition of the reduced ability of the immune system can also increase the risk of contracting this infection.
Diagnosis
To diagnose leprosy, the doctor will conduct medical interviews and physical examinations in person to find common, characteristic symptoms.
The signs of leprosy vary, depending on the level or type of the disease.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will take samples from the skin or nerves through a biopsy to look for the presence of causative bacteria.
Other tests may be performed to rule out other possible diagnoses.
Treatment
This disease can be treated with a combination of antibiotics in the form of MDT ( multidrug therapy ) which consists of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
This combination is given to prevent long-term treatment resistance for about 1-2 years. Early initiation of therapy can prevent disease transmission and complications of disability.
In addition, surgery can be performed as a follow-up process with the aim of:
- Normalizes the function of damaged nerves
- Improving the body shape of patients who experience changes
- Restore the function of the sufferer’s limbs
Prevention
Because leprosy is an infectious disease, close contact with sufferers needs to be limited.
In addition, you need to maintain your immune system by exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods.
The following are recommendations to prevent transmission of leprosy:
- Immediately carry out early treatment on a regular basis for patients, so that the bacteria they carry do not spread
- Avoiding or reducing physical contact for long periods of time
- Improve personal hygiene and environmental hygiene
- Increase or maintain endurance, by exercising and increasing the fulfillment of nutrition
- Try not to spit carelessly, because bacterial bacilli can still live for several days in droplets
Complications
Untreated leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.
Loss of sensation can also cause unnoticed injury because there is no pain to warn the body of an injury.
Here are some possible complications of leprosy:
- Paralysis of the hands and feet
- Shortening of the fingers and toes due to reabsorption
- Chronic non-healing sores on the bottom of the foot
- Blindness
- Lost eyebrows
- Nose damage
- Painful nerves
- Burning sensation on the skin
When to See a Doctor?
If there are complaints in the form of numb spots on the skin accompanied by a history of close contact with leprosy sufferers, consult a doctor immediately.