Leprosy Treatment: Quick Overview, Types & Causes

 

Leprosy is a serious medical condition caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. Leprosy is often referred to as Hansen’s disease. It affects the skin, upper respiratory tract mucosal surfaces, peripheral nerves and the eyes. Leprosy can happen in people of all ages, from babies to older people. Delayed leprosy diagnosis is likely to induce some medical complications such as muscle spasms, erectile dysfunction, organ failure, loss of vision and other abnormalities. Leprosy is better avoided by avoiding contact with sick and untreated individuals.

Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). Leprosy is likely transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.

Leprosy Treatment Drug class are: Antibacterial, Leprostatics, Antitubercular and Other. Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured.

Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy. Treatment of paucibacillary leprosy is with the medications dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine for six months. Treatment for multibacillary leprosy uses the same medications for 12 months. A number of other antibiotics may also be used.

Is it possible to prevent leprosy? Prevention of contact with droplets from nasal and other secretions from patients with untreated M. leprae infection is currently the most effective way to avoid the disease. Treatment of patients with appropriate antibiotics stops the person from spreading the disease.